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Middle East conflict

Nearly 80 Palestinians killed in Gaza by Israeli forces in 24 hours — health ministry

The Gaza Health Ministry also reported that the total death toll in the enclave has now reached 45,206

CAIRO, December 20. /TASS/. At least 80 Palestinians were killed and over 170 others injured in the Gaza Strip following strikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over the past 24 hours, the Palestinian enclave’s Health Ministry announced on its Telegram channel.

"Over the past 24 hours, 77 individuals lost their lives, and 174 were injured due to IDF shelling and airstrikes targeting various locations across the Gaza Strip," the ministry’s statement said. The Gaza Health Ministry also reported that the total death toll in the enclave has now reached 45,206. Additionally, 107,512 people have been reported injured.

Tensions escalated dramatically in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory. This assault resulted in the deaths of Israeli border residents and the abduction of over 240 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. In retaliation, Israel initiated a military operation in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military and political infrastructure and rescuing those abducted. Hostilities in the Gaza Strip remain ongoing.

Middle East conflict

Hamas says 60 Israeli soldiers killed in northern Gaza since early October

Hamas claimed that over the same period its members attacked 49 tanks, 24 vehicles carrying Israeli soldiers and 26 military bulldozers, and conducted dozens of other combat operations

Russia to retaliate against Ukrainian strikes, just as Putin said — Kremlin

"Russia’s position is well known, it was voiced by Putin back in St. Petersburg," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russian gas importers to receive deferral on payments via Gazprombank until April 1, 2025

Since April 2022, under the presidential decree, buyers from unfriendly countries paid for supplies using special type K accounts in Gazprombank

Press review: Who benefits from Russian general's murder as Trump lacks Kremlin strategy

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 18th

West pushing Kiev to continue conflict — France’s Le Pen

Marine Le Pen told the newspaper that she believes US President-elect Donald Trump can get Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky to hold talks and a diplomatic solution will be found

Total number of messages to Putin’s Direct Line surpasses 2.5 mln

Meanwhile, the number of messages to the president using social media beat last year’s record

West should consider Putin's words on Oreshnik missile duel — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the rhetoric about "inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia" is firmly rooted in the mentality of the NATO regimes not at all as hypothetical assumptions

Abkhazian lawmaker accused of fatal shooting in the country’s parliament

"Lawmaker Adgur Kharazia, who fled the scene, is suspected of the shooting," acting Interior Minister Robert Kiut said

Russian public may one day decide to bury Lenin proper, Putin speculates

The Russian president still noted that "today, especially in today’s Russia, we must not do anything that could divide the country"

Zelensky describes Hungarian PM’s ceasefire proposal as political PR stunt

Vladimir Zekensky claimed that "the Hungarian prime minister has no mandate to hold talks"

High-ranking US diplomat to visit Damascus soon — Axios

According to the portal, United States Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf will pay a visit to Damascus

Expert predicts Russia, new Syrian authorities to establish strong ties

According to Wu Yihong, Russia will seek to retain its two military facilities in Syria

Russia achieves key objective in Syria — Putin

According to head of state, the groups that fought against Syrian government forces have gone through major internal changes

Chad asks France to withdraw its troops by January 31, 2025

According to a source close to the Chadian authorities, the previous plan to withdraw the troops by March did not suit the African side

What is known about Russia’s retaliatory strike on Ukraine after attack on Rostov Region

Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reported the fires in Solomensky and Shevchenkovsky districts

NATO prepares for war with Russia, Moscow takes these risks into account — senior diplomat

According to Alexander Grushko, NATO's general course poses a danger both to Russia and to the entire architecture of global and regional security

Four new Russian regions moving toward self-sufficiency at a rapid pace — Putin

According to the head of state, tax revenues have seen a consistent increase in absolute figures

Russia manages situation in Ukraine, while West in big trouble — US political scientist

According to John Mearsheimer, Russia has become much stronger over the past two to three years because it has managed to become "a truly sovereign country"

Putin calls issue of Vladimir Lenin’s burial extremely sensitive

"These are certainly not the questions to be addressed during a Q&A session or press conference," the head of state said, commenting on several remarks by a reporter

Putin shrugs off potential deployment of US THAAD missile defense systems in Ukraine

According to the Russian president, there are a lot of "our men" in Ukraine who want to liberate their country from neo-Nazism and Russia is maintaining ties with them

Russia to press for return of its diplomatic property under new US government — diplomat

"We remain focused on the issue, so the new administration should be prepared that that we will constantly ‘pester’ them in that regard," Sergey Ryabkov said

Scholz announces supply of IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine

The German Chancellor recalled that the total amount of Berlin's support to Kiev stood at 37 billion euros

Kherson Region governor says Ukraine tries to make people leave Kherson City

According to Vladimir Saldo, Ukrainian authorities are stopping the provision of humanitarian aid to people

Russian air defenses destroy 36 Ukrainian drones over different regions

It is reported that on-duty air defenses intercepted and destroyed 16 Ukrainian UAVs over the Krasnodar Region

Artyom military plant reportedly on fire after explosions in Kiev

The Artyom plant is known for producing air-to-air missiles, as well as equipment for aircraft

Assad allegedly hands list of military targets over to Israel before leaving Syria — media

According to the Turkish newspaper, the former Syrian president did it to ensure his own safety

Missing plane’s beacon signal detected in Kamchatka

The plane is yet to be found, Kamchatka emergencies minister Sergey Lebedev said

Diplomat calls UN rights commissioner out for hypocrisy over Kirillov killing

The Russian diplomat recalled that a few months ago, when terrorist methods were used in Lebanon to detonate pagers and other electronic devices, the high commissioner himself and OHCHR experts promptly issued condemnations, calling for a thorough investigation of the incident

Ukraine's refusal to transit Russian gas will hit EU economies hard — French expert

According to Jacques Sapir, the decision not to extend transit contracts was no surprise given the political landscape

Putin challenges West to try to intercept Oreshnik missile in Kiev

"Let them choose a target, say, in Kiev, and amass their air and missile defense systems there, while we will launch an Oreshnik missile at the target," the Russian leader said

Kremlin spokesman clarifies Putin’s statement about Oreshnik 'duel'

"It is very important to talk about these statements by the president in the context of the question he was asked," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Scholz, Trump agree conflict in Ukraine goes on for too long

"The sides paid special attention to the issues of security policy in Europe," German Government Spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said

Russia getting stronger, will make decisions regardless of opinions of others — Putin

According to the Russian president, the state of the economy and the strengthening of defense capabilities allow Russia to depend little on anyone

Russian troops break through Ukrainian defenses near Oskol Reservoir in Kharkov Region

The new positions will enable Russian troops to advance further in that frontline area and deliver more effective strikes on the enemy, Andrey Marochko specified

Ukraine to cede territory regardless of US aid — news agency

According to the news agency, Kiev expects a "bitter settlement," which implies giving up territorial claims and NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees

Putin reflects on his talks with former German Chancellor Kohl

The Russian president praised Helmut Kohl as a "pivotal political figure of our time"

Bank of Russia decides to keep key rate at 21% per annum

"The Bank of Russia will assess the need for a key rate increase at its upcoming meeting taking into account further lending and inflation dynamics," the regulator said

Orban suggests deciding on anti-Russian sanctions after Trump's inauguration — news agency

Toward the end of the EU summit, the Hungarian prime minister "surprised his colleagues" by saying he was not ready to extend the sanctions, the sources said

Yemeni Houthis say they struck military target in Tel Aviv with drone

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saria added that the unmanned aerial vehicle "has successfully reached its target"

Ukraine carries out missile strike on town of Rylsk in Russia’s Kursk Region

Acting region's governor Alexander Khinshtein stressed that the regional government would provide the necessary assistance to those injured in the attack and their families

Ukrainian army floundering, while Russian forces continue to advance — Putin

"The enemy is unable to gain a foothold in the positions where it has retreated," the Russian president noted

Russia forgives Somalia's Soviet-era debt

"One hundred percent of the stated amount is consolidated in accordance with this agreement," the document reads

Special military op evolves, Russia liberates territory by kilometers — Putin

The Russian leader characterized what is happening on the line of engagement as "a classic of the development of combat operations"

As many as 70% of soldiers desert from reinforcements sent to Kurakhovo — politician

The situation is similar at several other sections of the frontline in the DPR

Russia's ideas on settlement in Ukraine stem from practical needs — senior diplomat

On November 27, US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kellogg to be his assistant and US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

German president intends to dissolve Bundestag on December 27

On December 16, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asked President Steinmeier to dissolve the Bundestag after the failure of the vote of confidence

Russian troops liberate 10 communities in Donbass region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 3,610 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the week

Russia to invite World War II allies to next year’s Victory Day parade

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made the comment following a statement on the subject by Vladimir Putin

Putin says Russia should have launched special op earlier

The Russian leader recalled that the 2014 events in Crimea had been spontaneous

Russia to retaliate to Kiev’s attack by Western missiles on Rostov Region — top brass

The attack was carried out by six US-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles and four Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles

Russia, Ukraine could exchange POWs by Orthodox Christmas — Hungarian PM

"About 1,000 people could return home to their families in just two or three days," the prime minister said

FACTBOX: Ukraine shells Kursk Region's Rylsk

All emergency response services are working at the site of the strike

Trump threatens EU of tariffs unless it increases energy purchases

The inauguration of the president-elect is scheduled for January 20, 2025

Nuclear doctrine, special op, Oreshnik missile: what Putin said at Direct Line Q&A session

According to the head of state, the situation in the special military operation zone is "changing significantly"

Putin suggests Zelensky may flee abroad, says Russia would take him in

"But he will be taken care of by those people whose interests he is serving now," the Russian leader said

Putin responds to question about Russia's weakness by quoting Mark Twain

The president noted that Russia had become much stronger over the past two or three years as it became a truly sovereign country

No military logic behind Ukraine’s attack on Kursk Region — Putin

Many experts have noted that Ukraine’s "operation" in the Kursk Region is ambiguous in its nature

During Maduro’s inauguration, Russia to be represented at due level — diplomat

The invitation was sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin

Massacre staged by retreating Ukrainian troops in Selidovo — report

According to Maxim Grigoryev, videos of interviews with witnesses and preliminary forensic examination of the bodies indicate that most of the victims are elderly women

Strike on SBU control center response to Russian general’s assassination, expert says

The ministry clarified that Ukraine launched a missile strike against the Kamensky Integrated Plant in the Rostov Region using six US-made ATACMS missiles and four Storm Shadow cruise missiles

Ukraine attempts to attack downtown Donetsk by long-range missiles

Preliminary information suggests that a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher was used for the attack

Ukrainian forces try leaving positions southwest of DPR’s Krasnoarmeysk — security service

It is reported that Ukrainian positions in the settlement are under intense artillery fire by the Russian Armed Forces

Putin describes Oreshnik missile as cutting-edge Russian weapon

While Western anti-missile systems have seen "substantial" upgrades, no one will ever be able to shoot down Oreshnik missiles, the Russian leader boasted

Ukrainian units in Kurakhovo ordered to hold ground until Trump’s inauguration — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Russian assault teams in the city continue to advance westward

Venezuela’s Maduro reveals ultra-right plot to trigger civil war in South American nation

Plots and attempts to destabilize the situation in Venezuela had been "foiled by military and police units, as well as judicial and law enforcement forces," Nicolas Maduro stated

Russia currently holds upper hand in Ukraine conflict, Indian expert says

Nandan Unnikrishnan pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has more than once spoken about Russia’s readiness to discuss an end to the conflict"

FACTBOX: What we know about missing An-2 plane in Russia’s Kamchatka

The An-2 airplane with two crew members and one passenger was transporting 800 kg of commercial cargo on the Milkovo - Ossora route

Zelensky actually flips the bird to Trump by insulting Putin, Medvedev says

The politician emphasized that "the president of a major country should be extremely polite and amiable"

Putin's message on Moscow’s course in Syria neutral, Russians’ safety is priority — expert

According to Boris Dolgov, external actors should not be discounted either, since "Israel may well expand its zone of occupation, which may cause some kind of response"

Press review: Israel and Hamas near a truce while Zelensky drafts a new negotiation plan

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 19th

Armenian premier sees no reason to preserve OSCE Minsk Group

Nikol Pashinyan told the country’s parliament in June that the OSCE Minsk Group, comprising Russia, the United States and France, de-facto stopped its work after February 2022

Russia’s UN envoy criticizes US for double standards on AI technologies

If US continues with approaches of the past - imposing rules on others while simultaneously freeing themselves from these rules - it will repeat its historical mistakes, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 520 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy howitzers in its area of responsibility over the past day

Putin’s proposal for talks meant for Trump, not Zelensky — analyst

"Putin is ready for dialogue, Trump is ready for dialogue, but the dialogue will be hard and tough," Vladimir Zharikhin, deputy director at the Institute of CIS Countries, said

Oreshnik test launch forces London to take a step back — Russian ambassador

According to Andrey Kelin, the UK’s official reaction to the launch of the Oreshnik missile was rather vague

US has 2,000 troops in Syria, up from previously reported 900 — Pentagon

Pentagon Spokesman Patrick Ryder did not specify the type of troops that arrived in Syria to fight the Islamic State

Lavrov explains Russia’s position on Ukrainian settlement to Swiss counterpart

"The Russian side stressed the inadmissibility of NATO’s eastwards expansion, which was among the key reasons of the current situation, which made the special military operation unavoidable," the statement reads

Putin says he is always ready to talk to or meet with Trump

The Russian leader noted that he did not know when he would meet with the US president-elect

Zelensky fully rules out possibility of gas transit via Ukraine — Slovak Prime Minister

Robert Fico emphasized that by blocking the continuation of gas transit, the Kiev authorities are damaging Slovakia's national economic interests and could negatively impact the European bloc as a whole

Putin says critics who insult him tell on themselves

According to the Russian president, people do it "because of their impotence"

Turkish president calls on West to stop Israel in Syria before it’s too late

"All international mechanisms need to be effectively employed in order to prevent Israel from exploiting the situation in Syria," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said

Orban does not intend to react to Zelensky's provocations, will remain calm

The Hungarian prime minister reiterated that his proposal for a Christmas ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia remains on the table

Russian, Uzbek security agents work to identify accomplices in general’s killing in Moscow

"The special services of the Republic of Uzbekistan are doing all they can to provide assistance," the agency said

Russian army’s combat readiness now highest worldwide — Putin

"We are increasing production of everything necessary for our army and navy," the Russian leader said

Press review: Putin outlines Russia's future goals and Tehran faces energy blackout riots

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 20th

Oreshnik’s launch is sudden, undetectable by satellites — analyst

The range of the Oreshnik system is up to 5,500 kilometers

UK unwilling to send military instructors to Ukraine for fear of Russian attacks — media

According to a source, "Russians would target any kind of Western assistance inside Ukraine"

Putin says he gained much from former French President Jacques Chirac

The French politician passed away on September 26, 2019, at the age of 87

Hungary takes US sanctions against Gazprombank as political revenge — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister stressed that the American sanctions against Gazprombank affected those countries where governments are in power that pursue independent policies

Witnesses confirm involvement of detained suspect in Russian general’s assassination

"The sufficiency of information about the crime and Kurbonov’s involvement is confirmed by testimony from the affected persons and eyewitnesses, crime scene examination, study of material evidence and documents, and other evidence as a whole," according to case files

Ukrainian unit of machine-gunners disguised as Russian soldiers shoots civilians — captive

According to Bogdan Nikitchenko, the command sends "anyone available" to the Kursk Region

European Union spends 130 bln euro to support Ukraine — von der Leyen

According to her, the EU accounts for 47% of weapons sent to Ukraine with around 40% being provided by the United States

Baltic states threaten mass deportation of Russians, take lead in Russophobia — statement

The Foreign Ministry noted that the facts of discrimination and persecution of Russians are often ignored by the official leadership of countries and international human rights agencies, leading many victims to remain silent

Outgoing US administration to continue aid to Kiev until Trump’s inauguration

US administration currently has $5.6 to help Ukraine under the PDA mechanism, and another $1.13 - under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder said

Rutte announces launch of Command on Ukraine, calls to refrain from discussing peace

NATO secretary general claimed that Western states should focus on arms shipments to Ukraine

Ukraine will soon run out of willing fighters, Putin says

The head of state pointed out that ex-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said at some point that Ukraine "needs to keep fighting until the last Ukrainian"

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

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

Aleppo taken by 350 militants while 30,000 gov’t troops retreated without fight — Putin

The Russian president recalled that no Russian land troops had been deployed to Syria, with Russia having only an airbase and a naval base

Zelensky admits the impossibility of reclaiming Donbass, Crimea

Vladimir Zelensky responded negatively when asked whether Kiev could temporarily abandon its claims to Crimea or Donbass

Russia has no concerns about who attends Trump's inauguration — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, this issue lies "on the periphery" for Moscow, and Russia views it "detachedly"

Series of explosions rock central Kiev — eyewitnesses

Earlier, Ukrainian media reported about explosions in the capital, and local authorities informed about the work of air defenses