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Middle East conflict

Hamas reports progress in hostage negotiations with Israel — news outlet

Earlier, a senior Israeli official spoke to the news outlet about "significant progress" in the hostage deal negotiations with Hamas

TEL AVIV, December 16. /TASS/. The radical Palestinian movement Hamas and Israel have made progress in talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages, the Ynet news outlet reported, citing an unnamed senior Hamas official.

"Unprecedented progress" has been made in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, the source told Ynet, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should make the final decision. The movement's spokesman also said that there is still disagreement over the number of hostages to be released as part of the deal. The parties are also unable to agree on which hostages will be released. The source added that Hamas has been asked not to release any information about the talks.

Earlier, a senior Israeli official spoke to the news outlet about "significant progress" in the hostage deal negotiations with Hamas. According to him, the Israeli side believes that an agreement could be reached within weeks. The official attributed the change in Hamas' position to continued Israeli strikes and the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as US president next month.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas described its attack as retaliation for the aggressive actions taken by Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the crisis, launching air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave.

At the end of November 2023, thanks to the mediation of Egypt and Qatar, a humanitarian ceasefire was established in the Gaza Strip for a week. During this time, according to the Israeli side, over 110 hostages were released. However, on December 1, the ceasefire was violated and hostilities resumed in the Palestinian enclave, continuing up to this day. According to the latest information from the Israeli side, Hamas radicals are still holding about 100 people hostage in Gaza.

Conflict in Syria

EU launches diplomatic contacts with new Syrian government — foreign policy chief

According to Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign ministers will discuss how and "on what level" the EU will engage with the new Syrian authorities and what the EU can offer them if they move "to the right direction"

Unidentified drones disrupt airport operations in State of New York — governor

The US administration has not yet established the origin of unmanned aerial vehicles spotted in skies over the State of New Jersey and New York, a FBI official said earlier at the online briefing

Large Ukrainian stronghold wiped out near Konstantinovka — Russian military officials

According to them, more than 10 Ukrainian troops were killed in the attack

Ukraine loses over 200 troops in Kursk area over past day — top brass

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian army’s losses also one tank, one US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, one armored combat vehicle, seven motor vehicles

Press review: Dubai hosts nuclear powers' meeting as OSCE preps Ukraine for EU and NATO

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 12th

Leader of new Syrian authorities meets UN envoy in Damascus — Al Jazeera

Al-Sharaa pointed out the importance of creating safe conditions for the return of refugees, as well as economic and political support for these refugees

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Protest rally in downtown Tbilisi ends peacefully

By now, almost all the protesters have left the area, a TASS correspondent said

Scholz politically isolated in EU, German politician says

"Regrettably, it should be said so: the majority of European politicians simply do not want to meet anymore the German Chancellor that either sits silent for hours or lectures the world," said Friedrich Merz

Ukrainian command prohibits soldiers to retreat from Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

The Ukrainians at this sector of the line of engagement have been surrendering

Georgian president declares she will not give up presidency

Georgia will hold its presidential election on December 14 and the new president will be inaugurated on December 29

US to continue efforts to impair Russian oil revenues — Treasury Secretary

Washington and its allies also could consider lowering the oil price cap on Russian oil, , US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said

Damaged Russian cargo ships in Kerch Strait cause oil spill emergency

Two rescue tugboats and two helicopters have been dispatched, the Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport reported

CSTO ex-Secretary General explains why Ukraine was never invited to CSTO

Even within the CIS Ukraine was in a semi-legal position because they had not ratified all of the CIS-related agreements, including the CIS founding acts, Nikolay Bordyuzha said

Pro-Turkish, Kurdish forces clash could spark new civil war in Syria — newspaper

The newspaper suggests that there is a risk the Syrian opposition could collapse, prompting interventions by Israel, Turkey, and the US in Syria’s internal affairs

Russian developer unveils heavyweight, all-weather drone

It is reported that the drone can also be operated in subzero temperatures

Putin orders rescue efforts after two oil tankers run aground off Crimea — Kremlin

The Russian leader also ordered to set up a governmental working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Davelyev, Dmitry Peskov said

Putin meets with former President of Kazakhstan Nazarbayev

Vladimir Putin met with first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in Novo-Ogaryovo

New regions may join Russia, Medvedev says

"This is quite possible," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Russian forces repel Ukraine’s attempted counterattacks in Krasnoarmeisk area

According to DPR’s head, Denis Pushilin, Russian forces continue their advance in this section of the combat engagement line

15-year-old girl killed in a stabbing attack in southwestern Japan — Kyodo news agency

All extracurricular activities and events in schools and kindergartens of Kitakyushu have been cancelled

Russians win 10 medals at World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest

The gold medals for the Russians were won by Miron Lifintsev, Ilya Borodin

Russian forces down Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet — top brass

Air defenses downed a MiG-29 fighter jet belonging to the Ukrainian air force, eight US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and 116 unmanned aerial vehicles

Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers encircled in Kurakhovo, the Russian military says

According to them, the Ukrainian battlegroup is being "ground down" gradually so that it cannot flee the town

British mercenary Burke killed in Ukraine by fellow mercenary, coroner says

The main suspect in the case is Abdelfetah Nourine, a dual citizen of Australia and Algeria

Slovak president hopes for beginning of talks on ending conflict in Ukraine soon

"However, looking at the situation realistically, it should be noted that no one in Europe who is sober-minded thinks now that it will be possible to reach peace without Ukraine’s territorial losses," Peter Pellegrini said

Ousted South Korean President to be questioned on December 18 — Yonhap

Yoon Suk Yeol is suspected of plotting a rebellion to overthrow the constitutional order

Next year unlikely to be easy, Russia hopes for victory — Medvedev

Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said it at the 22nd United Russia party congress.

Damascus, Aleppo airports resume operations, but so far only under special permits

The restriction period is set from 8:00 p.m. GMT on December 12 to 3:00 p.m. GMT on December 18

New Syrian leader gives Russia chance to review relations with Syria

Ahmed al-Sharaa also said that the country's new authorities will not enter into a conflict with Israel

South Korea's court to begin its first hearing on president’s impeachment on December 27

On December 14, the parliament impeached Yoon Suk Yeol, but the final decision on the impeachment has to be made by the Constitutional Court

Russian forces advance southwest of Kurakhovo, start liberation of Zelenovka — politician

Earlier, Vladimir Rogov told TASS that Russian troops were mopping up the settlements of Sukhiye Yaly and Konstantinopolskoye southeast of Zelenovka

Bolivarian Alliance summit participants approve declaration — Maduro

The plenary session of the summit took place for "four hours and forty minutes, and the work continued behind closed doors for two hours," the president said

Russia expects continued meetings on Syria with Turkey, Iran — senior diplomat

The Astana talks were founded in 2017, with 21 meetings held to date

Ukrainian army to soon run out of soldiers to continue fighting — media

The report highlights that, in addition to a manpower deficit, Kiev may also face critical shortages of ammunition and weapons

Preparations underway to address oil spill in Kerch Strait

According to preliminary estimates, not all of the oil products leaked from the tankers

Su-35S fighter jets providing air coverage in border areas of Kursk Region

"When performing combat missions, crews of Su-35S multirole fighters practiced the air coverage in the designated area for operations of bombers and assault aircraft and army aviation helicopters when delivering air strikes against armored vehicles and personnel of the Ukrainian army," the ministry informed

Loss of Krasnoarmeysk to mark 'largest setback' for Ukraine in months — TV channel

Krasnoarmeysk is a key logistical hub for the Ukrainian group in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Two drones destroyed over Bryansk region, no casualties — governor

Alexander Bogomaz noted that operational and emergency services are working on the scene

Russian troops repel several Ukrainian counterattacks on Novy Komar in DPR

"In Novy Komar, half of the village is under the control of Russian troops," Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber’s commission on sovereignty, patriotic projects and veteran support, said

Calling all residents of Ukraine 'Ukrainians' not accurate, Medvedev says

The Russian senior official pointed out that the very word "Ukrainians" did not take on its modern ethnic meaning until the mid-19th century

Storm-beaten oil tankers were carrying nearly 9,000 tons of mazut — emergencies service

Both tankers were seriously damaged, with the foreship of one of them being torn off by a wave

Putin to present state awards to winners, medalists of 2024 Paris Paralympics

Nine athletes will be awarded the Order of Honor, eight will receive the Order of Friendship, and another 22 will receive the Order for Merit to the Fatherland of the 1st or 2nd degree

No sense for Georgia to join EU at expense of rejecting its values — president-elect

Mikhail Kavelashvili said that Georgia’s authorities are open to a discussion on any topic, but the West shows no willingness to do that, being limited to criticism only

TOS-1A Solntsepyok-1A ammunition creates long-lived shock wave — Rostec

The state corporation specified that the Solntsepyok munition creates a very high temperature, burning everything that can burn

Results of Russian cancer vaccine’s preclinical studies due in late 2024 — minister

The research "is financed by the state as part of the governmental order," Mikhail Murashko said

Georgia’s president-elect suggests incumbent president resign if she is against govt

Incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili has been in open opposition to the ruling party over the past two to three years

Nicaragua may consider direct flights with Russia, says special envoy

"We also discussed cooperation on culture and the establishment of a partnership between the media of our countries," Special Representative of the President of Nicaragua for Russian Affairs Laureano Ortega Murillo said

Russian troops strike Kiev airport used to train F-16 pilots — politician

"The Russian army hit hangars and warehouses at the site, with secondary detonations continuing for up to two hours," Vladimir Rogov said

Vega missions to Venus mark triumph of space science — Roscosmos

Vega 1 spacecraft and its twin Vega 2 were launched on December 15 and 21, 1984, respectively

Another anti-government rally being held in Tbilisi

The protesters demand the resignation of the government and a new parliamentary election

Western aid to Ukraine ‘in increasingly short supply’ — Bloomberg

Pessimistic attitudes in the country are rising against the backdrop of the successful advance of Russian forces, the government’s failing mobilization attempts, and rolling blackouts

Israel hits Hamas, Islamic Jihad radicals in Nuseirat camp in Gaza

"Among the terrorists eliminated in the strike was the Islamic Jihad terrorist Ahmed Bakr al-Lawh, who previously served as a Platoon commander in the Islamic Jihad's Central Camps Brigade," IDF said

South Korean ruling party chairman Han Dong-hoon steps down — Yonhap

He apologized for the declaration of martial law to his fellow citizens and supporters of the People Power faction, whose feelings were hurt by the impeachment of the president

Ukrainian military fires 30 projectiles at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

Eight projectiles and an FPV drone were launched at the Graivoronsky District

Some 700 Ukrainian troops trapped near Kurakhovo, Russian official reveals

According to the Russian official, the remaining Ukrainian troops in Kurakhovo itself can find themselves trapped, and very soon, too

Russian envoy remains in Damascus, continues work — embassy

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry's Crisis Management Center announced the evacuation of some personnel from Russian foreign missions in Damascus but clarified that the embassy continues its operations

11 people taken to hospital after oil tanker wreck in Black Sea — health ministry

Two of them are in grave conditions, Alexey Kuznetsov, an aide to the Russian health minister, said

Seoul calls on Moscow not to discuss improvement of bilateral ties amid Yoon’s impeachment

On Saturday, Russian Ambassador to Seoul Georgy Zinovyev said that as long as the ROK has not crossed the "red line" of sending weapons to Ukraine the potential for restoring bilateral ties remain

Russian lawmaker lauds Russian swimmers’ results at World Swimming Championship

Russian swimmer won ten medals, including six gold and four silver ones

Press review: Russia's role in Syria questioned and UN hints at a possible SC summit

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 10th

Qatar to reopen embassy in Damascus on December 17 — MFA

The resumption of work of the embassy in Damascus occurs approximately 13 years after the severance of diplomatic relations in 2011 and "is an expression of fundamental support for the revolution of the Syrian people" on the part of Qatar," the ministry said

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

All 13 crew members evacuated from tanker aground in Kerch Strait, one dies

According to the Crimean department of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, two oil tankers were damaged in a storm in the waters of the Black Sea

Russian Aerospace Force radars able to detect any aerial threats

Distinctive features of new equipment of radio-technical troops are the modern element base and the high level of automation for all process of radar information processing and output

IN BRIEF: Ex-Ukrainian intel officer’s car blown up in northern Moscow

The explosion occurred in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado off-road vehicle parked on Korovinskoye highway in the north of Moscow, when the driver started the SUV

Putin praises T-90 tank as the best in world

The president noted that any hardware got outdated with time

Turkey ready to be mediator between US, Syria’s new authorities — top diplomat

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also said that Ankara "is coordinating actions on the situation in Syria with Saudi Arabia at the highest level"

Putin lauds participation of lawmakers in special op as courageous move

The Russian president also said that the veterans who returned with injuries must receive special attention and full support

EU foreign ministers to gather in Brussels for their last meeting this year

As the EU representative said, the foreign ministers will approve the 15th package of sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, as well as a "new blacklist" for Moscow's alleged "hybrid actions"

Ukrainian casualties in Kursk region amount to over 400 in past day

Also, seven Ukrainian motor vehicles, three artillery mounts and 10 mortars were destroyed

Smart drone return technology created in Russia — developer

Astron-Aero plans to test the technology in September

Press review: Medvedev talks Ukraine with Xi and Houthis intensify attacks on Israel

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 13th

Pope Francis prays for peace for Russia, Ukrainian peoples

He also called for peace in the Holy Land, namely in Palestine, Israel, as well as in Lebanon, Syria, and the entire Middle East

Belarus wants to participate in future Ukraine peace talks, senior diplomat says

Yury Ambrazevich pointed out there was growing global demand for a diplomatic solution to the conflict due to the difficult situation Ukrainian forces were facing on the battlefield

Poland imposes sanctions on Russian billionaire Oleg Boiko

Boiko also faces sanctions in Ukraine and Australia

Situation in Krasnoarmeisk area improves after liberation of Shevchenko — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that Russian troops had also advanced in the Krasny Liman area

Israeli military raiding West Bank — news agency

The military made searches using stun grenades and tear gas against local residents

US authorities not yet finding causes of drones appearing in skies

FBI official thinks "there has been a slight overreaction” to the situation

Thousands of Moldovans will use migration amnesty in Russia — Moldovan president

Moldovan President Igor Dodon said about 500,000 Moldovan labor migrants are currently staying in Russia

Russian oil tanker in distress in Kerch Strait with 13 people on board

No information about casualties or a possible oil spill is available at this point

Medvedev says US wants Taiwan to be its outpost in East Asia

According to the official, the plan is "quite in line with Washington's aspirations to bring the Asia-Pacific region into NATO's orbit and pit states against each other"

Russian missile frigate wraps up Mediterranean deployment

The ship’s crew successfully practiced all the assigned missions as part of the Russian Navy’s standing Mediterranean taskforce, the Fleet’s press office reported

Captured Ukrainian soldier tells about orders to shoot civilians in Russia’s Kursk Region

Artur Plombirus was conscripted from prison, where he was serving a sentence under Article 186 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code (robbery)

US, UK deliver airstrikes on Houthi targets in western Yemen — TV

According to the Al Masirah television channel, the strikes targeted Houthi facilities near the settlement of Al-Tuheita in the Hodeidah province

CSTO understood Ukraine was turned into anti-Russia — ex-secretary general

Nikolay Bordyuzha noted "that the Ukrainian population was actually fostered in the spirit of hatred of Russians, everything Russia, and Russia"

Ukraine loses its population, Ukrainians choose Russia, politician says

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, even some representatives of the current government acknowledge that the state policy regarding the support of internally displaced persons has actually failed

Nicaragua offers Russia to build new canal together — special envoy

The construction of a new Carribean port is already underway, Laureano Ortega Murillo said

Hamas reports progress in hostage negotiations with Israel — news outlet

Earlier, a senior Israeli official spoke to the news outlet about "significant progress" in the hostage deal negotiations with Hamas

West is hypocritical in discussing troop deployment to Ukraine, expert says

"Although Europeans have been involved in the conflict from the very beginning by supplying ammunition, weapons, advisors, and intelligence, they refuse to acknowledge that they are at war," Guillaume Ancel said

Mikhail Kavelashvili elected as 6th president of Georgia

A total of 224 members of the 300-member electoral college cast their votes in favor of Kavelashvili

Russian forces liberate Vesyoly Gai, Pushkino in Donbass region

Russian forces also destroyed four US-made Patriot missile launchers, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

This was reported by a representative of law enforcement agencies

Lithuania to continue training Ukrainian military instructors — top brass

Raimundas Vaiksnoras, Lithuania's Chief of Defense Staff, had trained military specialists for Ukraine even before the current hostilities began

Israel announces closure of embassy in Ireland

The Israeli side motivated this step by recalling that last week Ireland supported South Africa’s legal motion against Israel with the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide

Israel not interested in confrontation with Syria — Netanyahu

Israel will build its policy toward Damascus based on the situation on the ground, Israeli Prime Minister said

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza rises to 100 in 24 hours — Hamas

Among the victims of the Israeli attacks were an Al Jazeera cameraman, two other Palestinian journalists and five members of the Palestinian Civil Defense

Su-57 fifth-generation fighter may get flat nozzle for stealth purposes — pilot

The flat nozzle technology is a breakthrough in modern aircraft-building, Major-General Vladimir Popov noted

West to prolong agony of Zelensky's regime in proxy war against Russia — Duma

Leonid Slutsky stressed that the Russian government had repeatedly expressed its willingness to resolve issues through political and diplomatic means

Ukraine to lose third of territory, get no invitation to NATO — Slovak PM

Robert Fico also emphasized that the conflict's repercussions would significantly impact Ukraine's internal stability