Middle East conflict

20 Dec 2024, 17:06

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

CAIRO, December 20. /TASS/. Hamas said its members killed 60 Israeli servicemen in northern Gaza in the last two and a half months.

In a statement posted to Telegram, the radicals said that, "during the past 77 days, from October 4 to December 20 of this year, 60 [Israeli] soldiers and officers, including the commander of the Israeli 401 Brigade, were killed in various resistance measures in northern Gaza." 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.

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following an incursion of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7, accompanied by killings of residents of Israeli settlements near the border and taking hostages. Hamas regards the attack as a response to Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel declared a complete siege of the Gaza Strip and started delivering strikes on that area and parts of Lebanon and Syria. That was followed by an Israeli ground operation in the enclave, which continues to this day. According to the latest data from the Gazan Health Ministry, Israeli forces have killed 45,206 Arabs and wounded more than 107,000 others in the enclave since October 2023.

Middle East conflict

Israel obtains proof of Iran’s direct relationship with Hamas — Defense Minister Katz

According to him, In the document, the Hamas leaders ask of the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force to transfer $500 million

Confirmed SPIEF participants above last-year record — director

The interest in taking part in SPIEF is driven by equal opportunities provided by the forum to all the participants, Alexey Valkov said

Russia ready to help Burkina Faso maintain national security — Lavrov

The statement followed a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Burkina Faso counterpart Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore

Yesterday, 06:52

Thai deputy PM to visit US for talks after 36% duties imposed

"Next week, Deputy Prime Minister Pichai will meet with both US officials and private sector representatives to address these changes," Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said

Two days ago, 23:42

Russia’s potential control over Ukrainian resources to be disaster for the West — Politico

At the same time, mineral resources mining in Ukraine as part of the potential deal between Kiev and Washington " will cost billions and could take decades," the news outlet noted

Two days ago, 14:16

OPEC+ monitoring committee reviews oil production data for January, February

In addition, the committee "valued the additional voluntary production adjustments made by the eight OPEC+ countries, which were announced in April and November 2023 in supporting market stability"

Yesterday, 13:23

RDIF sees requests galore to return to Russia from US firms, including energy companies

"I think the focus on joint partnerships is the right focus for further cooperation with American businesses, which, yes, are really interested in working in Russia," fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev said

Two days ago, 14:25

Trump’s new tariffs pave way for new world order, says top EU lawmaker

In an interview with the Funke media group, he pointed out that "the Trump administration is bringing fundamental things into question for no reason at all"

11 Dec 2018, 05:10

Russia calls on US not to turn a blind eye on Kiev’s preparations for Donbass offensive

According to the DPR’s reconnaissance data, Ukrainian troops plan to seize the DPR’s Novoazovsky and Temanovsky districts and take control over the border section with Russia

Trump claims China makes mistake following Beijing’s announcement of tariffs on US goods

The Tariff Commission of the State Council announced earlier that Chinese authorities would impose additional tariffs of 34% on all products imported from the United States

Gold futures drop below $3,000 per troy ounce, first time since March 17

As of 2:45 a.m. Moscow time (11:45 p.m. GMT, Sunday), the drop in the price slowed down by 1.16%

Russia’s economic growth is currently approaching 'zero' — expert

Alexander Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy

Yesterday, 17:22

G7 foreign ministers say concerned about China's military drills near Taiwan

G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds 16 US companies to export control list

Trade with the listed companies is prohibited without obtaining special authorization from the Chinese government

Yesterday, 19:25

Iranian foreign minister says no negotiations with US after exchange of letters

According to Araghchi, the United States "can only dream" of striking a deal with Iran similar to the one that Libya signed in 2003, when the country abandoned the idea of creating weapons of mass destruction, and began demilitarization

Yesterday, 14:15

Iranian MP calls for creation of nuclear weapons for equal dialogue with West

Member of the Mejlis Mohammad Qasim Osmani said that despite the costs, Tehran will benefit from a nuclear bomb in all areas, including national security

Yesterday, 02:21

Xi Jinping is winner in trade war with Donald Trump — WSJ

China responded to the recent increase of US duties by announcing the 34% tariff on the US goods, starting from the next week

Yesterday, 00:58

Russian defense ministry claims $136,200 from warships design bureau

The court session is scheduled for May 13

Bank of Russia lowers official dollar rate to 84.28 rubles for April 5-7

The official euro rate was reduced by 18 kopecks to 92.9855 rubles

Two days ago, 21:32

Dozens of thousands of people protesting against Trump’s policy in Washington

The demonstration stretched all over the central boulevard in the US capital from the Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial

Nearly half of states attending UNHRC session oppose anti-Russian resolution

The ten-page document uses assessments and narratives typical of the states on Russia's list of unfriendly states

Yesterday, 00:13

President of Zimbabwe announces suspension of duties on US goods

The US introduced 18% import duties on goods from Zimbabwe in response to 35% tariffs in Zimbabwe on US imports, as Washington stated

EU is 'sinking ship' — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited US President Donald Trump's recently announced tariffs as further evidence that the EU's previously projected GDP growth targets would miss their mark

Two days ago, 22:42

Houthis claims attack against US carrier group

Strikes against US warships "continued for several hours" and prevented US attacks against Yemen’s regions controlled by the rebels, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea added

23 Aug 2021, 10:51

Putin concerned over potential threats from Afghanistan, Kremlin says

"President Putin, like other heads of state and government, expressed deep concern over the events in Afghanistan, the potential threats coming from Afghanistan," Dmitry Peskov added

Yesterday, 04:04

Battlegroup West destroyed five Starlink terminals — spokesman

Air defense crews destroyed two HIMARS projectiles and 22 fixed-wing drones

Russia supplied 100,000 tons of oil to Cuba on February 19 — deputy PM

Dmitry Chernyshenko said that Russia will continue providing Cuba with economic support and humanitarian aid along bilateral channels

Russia, US trade relations virtually nonexistent — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that Moscow is unlikely to experience any positive effects from the US tariffs, as the turmoil in the global economy will require careful actions from Russia

UN believes nobody can win trade war — spokesperson

The starting trade war will adversely affect implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, Stephane Dujarric added

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds eleven US companies to unreliable entities list

Restrictions were introduced "for protection of national sovereignty, security and interests of development"

Yesterday, 21:04

IDF attacks Gaza rocket launcher, from which Israel was shelled

The army added that the IDF 'will continue to act to eliminate any threat to the Israeli civilian population'

Trump expects $6-7 trillion in investment to come to US after new tariffs take effect

US stocks started the day in the red, with the key indexes falling by 2.9-4.6%

Yesterday, 15:21

Iran to only negotiate with US on nuclear program — deputy speaker of parliament

Haji Babaee also said that Tehran had refused direct talks with Washington because of its failure to fulfill its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and constant threats and sanctions

Russia capable of rapid military personnel expansion — Pentagon

Cavoli is also head of the European Command of the US army

15 Jul 2020, 20:04

Russia calling on Georgia to cease border provocations and begin dialogue

Russia concerned over increased cases of illegal border crossings from Georgia

Medvedev calls Russia's latest missiles best cure for Russophobia

The politician said that Russophobia stems from "bipolar affective exaggeration of Russia’s influence on the life of Europe and Europeans" and alternates between manic and depressive phases

Two days ago, 20:47

Qatar hosts talks between DR Congo's government, M23 rebels — AFP

Further consultations were expected to take place with Qatar’s support

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

Yesterday, 01:34

Drone hunting unmanned surface vehicles to be tested in Russia

The aircraft will be launched by hand without using any auxiliary devices

Yesterday, 06:34

Ukraine deploys contracted soldiers 18-24 y.o. to Liptsy direction

The source also noted that Russian forces had previously eliminated some of the more experienced soldiers from this formation

Yesterday, 05:35

Russian army extensively advances in Kupyansk direction — expert

"Though the advances here are quite small, they are observed on a broad section of the front stretching more than 35 kilometers," Andrey Marochko

Russian stock market indices falling on Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 2.71% to 2,781.97 points, while the RTS Index edged down by 2.59% to 1,039.88 points

Two days ago, 22:38

Time has come to stop war in Ukraine, Musk says

US businessman said that he has 'no respect for the warmongers'

Russia plans to maintain second place in global gold production in coming years

Gold production data in Russia has not been officially disclosed since 2022

Porsche denies mass media reports on plans to resume arms manufacturing

The Europaische Sicherheit und Technik web portal informed earlier that Porsche is considering the return to the arms market

Trump declares state of emergency in the US due to economic situation — White House

As the document notes, "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries"

Ukrainian elections, necessary for legitimacy of peace agreements, won’t be democratic

Parliamentary and presidential elections are not held in Ukraine due to martial law

Two days ago, 15:37

US Treasury chief blames Zelensky for derailing ‘easiest’ deal on natural resources

The first version of the deal was not signed because of a verbal spat between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28

International exchanges falling on Friday

This is the greatest dip of the index during a single trading day over five years, Sky News television said

Russia shoots down Ukrainian Baba Yaga UAV in Kherson Region

During the inspection, sappers found 36 self-made pressure mines in one of the two compartments, each of which was carefully camouflaged with dry grass

1 Apr 2024, 05:03

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Israel obtains proof of Iran’s direct relationship with Hamas — Defense Minister Katz

According to him, In the document, the Hamas leaders ask of the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force to transfer $500 million

Dmitriev's visit to US shows no venom in Trump's harsh Russia talk — expert

Sergey Oznobishchev commented on Donald Trump's recent sharp remarks, particularly the US leader's assertion that Moscow's statements regarding the Ukrainian settlement were not constructive

Yesterday, 14:44

Iran’s Supreme Leader puts army on high alert — Reuters

Reuters said that Iran rejected direct negotiations with the US on a nuclear deal, but wants to continue indirect negotiations through Oman, a longtime channel for messages between the rival states

Russian army foils Ukrainian forces’ attempts to restart Nikolayev port — Kherson governor

Vladimir Saldo said that military is currently monitoring not only the territory of the Kherson Region but also the approach routes

Press review: Putin’s envoy holds talks with Trump's team as experts analyze tariff impact

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 4th

23 Aug 2021, 16:34

Hungary to start gas pumping over southern direction by October — Russian Foreign Ministry

Last June, Hungary negotiated deliveries of 4.2 bln cubic meters of gas from October 2020 to October 2021 with the Russian gas holding Gazprom

Yesterday, 13:06

Russian army liberates Basovka in Sumy Region — top brass

In the past day, Ukraine lost more than 170 servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, 12 automobiles, as well as three UAV control points and an ammunition depot in the Kursk direction

Armenian president signs law launching EU accession process

On March 26, Armenian legislators passed the second and final reading of the law on setting the country’s EU accession process into motion

US ready to consider expansion of number of NATO nuclear missions participants — Pentagon

Russia has consistently said that the continued practice of so-called joint nuclear missions in NATO runs contrary to the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Yesterday, 17:21

US Treasury head says confident new duties not to trigger recession

Bessent said that new customs duties are necessary, adding that other states "have been bad actors for a long time" and the accumulate problems cannot be solved within a few days or weeks

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Two days ago, 20:14

Musk warns of rising threat of terrorism in Europe

Earlier, he warned of the dangers of mass migration, which, in his view, can destroy any country

Zakharova calls London’s demands to declare Russian-related activities absurd

The diplomat referred to Britain’s intention to introduce an "enhanced" control regime against Russia as part of the future Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

Yesterday, 10:03

Poland completes installation of e-dams on rivers along Belarus border

The electronic barrier constitutes a system of video surveillance and motion sensors

Yesterday, 14:10

Court says seizes $66.4 mln of Chubais, 7 others’ assets on Rusnano suit

According to investigators, the wrongdoers took illegal actions to reclassify financial obligations in 2017 to conceal the company’s poor performance

Two days ago, 14:29

Death toll from Myanmar earthquake rises to 3,455 — agency

According to the news agency, 4,840 people were injured and 214 are missing

Trump's tariffs could plunge world into third global recession in last 20 years — Axios

The portal quoted consulting company Evercore as saying that in 2024, the US imported $3.3 trillion worth of goods, or more than $25,000 per household

Yesterday, 17:23

US Commerce Secretary confirms no plans to postpone retaliatory duties

Howard Lutnick also explained that the US imposed 10% tariffs on the islands of McDonald and Heard in the Indian Ocean, which are inhabited only by penguins, so that other countries could not use them as a loophole

Iran sends its official response to Trump’s letter via Oman

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the message comprises two documents

Two days ago, 20:05

Ukrainian attack that killed female civilian in DPR involved Slovakian-made missiles

The attack also involved 122 mm projectiles

Yesterday, 20:42

Ovechkin beats Gretzky to become best sniper in NHL Regular Season

The goal in the away match against the New York Islanders was forward's 895th

Two days ago, 20:33

Russian gas supplies may resume in coming years, says German official

Prime minister of Thuringia Mario Voigt also highlighted the need for Berlin to pursue a policy aimed at protecting Germany’s interests

Yesterday, 17:21

Over 50 countries contact White House to start trade talks — Trump advisor

Kevin Hassett also said that Washington did not slap duties on Moscow, as US President Donald Trump does not want this topic to interfere with the negotiations on a peaceful settlement of in Ukraine

Rubio says unaware of proposal to resume flights between US, Russia

On February 27, the Russian delegation proposed to restore direct flights between the two countries at talks with the United States in Istanbul

Two days ago, 21:47

New US duties may cost France more than 0.5% of GDP — PM

The dramatic increase of tariffs made by the US President threatens by job cuts

Yesterday, 03:10

Gutsul’s defense counsel accuses Moldovan special service of gross interference in process

The defense believes that charges voiced in mass media by Moldovan government and law enforcement representatives that Gutsul allegedly took money from a criminal group, are unjustified

Yesterday, 19:25

Thousands rally in support of Le Pen in Paris

Le Pen speaking at the demonstration on the Vauban Square in the VII arrondissement called her trial political and promised that she would continue the fight "to victory"

Vucic says Serbia, Hungary are moving towards military alliance

The document on strategic defense cooperation, along with a plan for bilateral military partnership for 2025, was signed by Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic and his Hungarian counterpart, Krisztof Szalay-Bobrovniczky

Two days ago, 08:38

OPEC+ Monitoring Committee to discuss oil market situation at online meeting

Оn April 3, eight OPEC+ countries that have committed to voluntarily reducing oil production by 2.2 mln barrels per day starting in 2024 held an online meeting

Two days ago, 17:52

Russian goalkeeper wins France's Ligue 1 football championship as part of PSG FC

PSG’s league title is their fourth in a row and 13th in total

Yesterday, 00:49

Brother of Syrian president to lead administration’s work — TV

Maher al-Sharaa was appointed to the position of the secretary general of the presidential service, Syria TV said

Two days ago, 03:30

Kiev forces lost up to 430 personnel in Battlegroup Center’s zone of responsibility

The Battlegroup Center continues to advance deep into the enemy's defenses and liberated the settlement of Uspenovka of the Donetsk People's Republic

Yesterday, 07:47

Direct Iran-US talks pointless — foreign minister

"Direct negotiations would be meaningless with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions from its various officials," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said

Yesterday, 09:59

American Tater forcibly hospitalized with mental disorder in Moscow

Psychiatrists diagnosed Joseph Tater with mental health

Two days ago, 12:22

Ukrainian forces lost over 210 servicemen in Kursk direction — Defense Ministry

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, during the fighting in the Kursk direction, the enemy lost more than 72,150 servicemen

Macron ready to become Europe’s point man to hold talks with Russia — newspaper

According to the source, the French leader is said to be willing to take up the leadership role "when the time is right"

Yesterday, 08:33

Most Moldovans wish to restore strategic partnership with Russia — ex-leader

Igor Dodon highlighted the longstanding ties between the nations, noting their "strong friendship, fruitful cooperation, and shared historical, cultural and spiritual roots"

Residents of Zaporozhye, Gulyaipole await liberation, Russia conducts targeted attacks

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the sovereignty, patriotic projects and support for veterans commission of Russia’s Civic Chamber, said, that the Russian Armed Forces are conducting targeted attacks

Yesterday, 13:07

Russia strikes Ukraine’s central arms artillery base, defense enterprises — top brass

The strike’s goal has been achieved, its targets have been hit, the Defense Ministry said

Two days ago, 19:10

Israeli army conducts raid on former Syrian army headquarters — statement

In addition, Israeli forces "located and confiscated additional weapons, including mortars and dozens of rockets"

Yesterday, 03:27

1.9 mln Palestinians displaced involuntarily due to situation in Gaza — news agency

The recent violation of the ceasefire regime in the Gaza Strip caused the next wave of relocation covering more than 142,000 people, UNRWA added

EU’s absence at negotiations on Ukrainian conflict settlement is natural — Russia’s envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov also commented on various mass media reports regarding a consensus on the composition of a hypothetical EU delegation to the negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict settlement

US stock indexes nosedive as China strikes back with tariffs

The Wall Street Journal writes that over the past two days, since the introduction by US President Donald Trump of new customs duties, the American stock market has lost $6.4 trillion

Sony turns small profit in Russia for first time since 2021

In March 2022, Sony suspended supplies of gaming consoles, accessories and games to Russia, as well as the operation of its Playstation Store

Tehran purchases Russian Su-35 fighter jets — Iranian general

"Any time that we have the need, we will purchase military equipment for strengthening our Air Force, Army and Navy," Ali Shadmani said

Ukraine loses up to 85 service members, foreign military officers in strike on Krivoy Rog

The enemy had also lost up to 20 motor vehicle

Two days ago, 20:02

Protesters across US rally against Trump, Musk — TV

CNN points out that some 600,000 people have signed up to attend the events

Two days ago, 15:00

Ukrainian strikes on Gorlovka leave four civilians injured

Ukrainian attacks also damaged a healthcare facility in downtown Gorlovka; seven residential compounds and settlements were left without power

Price of Brent oil down below $64 per barrel on ICE for first time since April 26, 2021

Meanwhile, the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for May delivery was down by 3.36% at $59.92 per barrel

Yesterday, 13:08

New Russia-US contacts may take place next week — RDIF head

Kirill Dmitriyev’s visit marked the first time since 2022 that a high-profile Russian official traveled to the US capital for talks