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Middle East conflict

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza nears 45,500

At least 48 Palestinians were killed and 52 others were injured in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours

CAIRO, December 28. /TASS/. Nearly 45,500 Palestinians have been killed, and over 108,000 others have been injured in the blockaded Gaza Strip due to Israeli attacks since the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict began in early October 2023, the Health Ministry of the Palestinian enclave reported on Saturday.

"The death toll from Israel’s strikes on the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in early October 2023 has surpassed 45,484, with 108,090 people injured," Gaza’s Health Ministry said on its Telegram channel. At least 48 Palestinians were killed and 52 others were injured in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the agency added.

Tensions escalated again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. In response, Israel initiated a military operation in Gaza with the objective of destroying the military and political structure of Hamas and rescuing all those abducted. Military actions in the Gaza Strip continue to this day.

Germany plans to train 10,000 more Ukrainian troops this year — Defense Minister

According to Boris Pistorius, over 19,000 Ukrainian troops have already received training in Germany

Pentagon unveils NATO plans on granting military assistance to Ukraine until 2027

The Pentagon representative said that eight "capabilities coalitions" have been created within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group

Zelensky decides to run for re-election — report

The information has not been confirmed or denied officially yet

IN BRIEF: Chadian authorities repel terrorist attack on presidential palace

During the counter-terrorist operation, 19 people were killed, including 18 attackers

Ukraine puts over 500,000 people on wanted list for draft evasion

At the same time, Natalya Kondratova says, 400 criminal cases against recruitment centers’ actions were launched, with most of them being at the stage of investigation or court hearing

DPR head announces restoration of liberated Kurakhovo

According to Denis Pushilin, specialists will assess the scale of the restoration work

Kremlin doubts Armenia can be member of both EU, EAEU

Dmitry Peskov added that so far, it is difficult to assess the implications of Armenia’s potential EU membership

Indonesia joining BRICS to boost country’s role on global stage — lawmaker

Eddy Soeparno noted that the country’s accession to BRICS will generate investment opportunities as well as funding for government projects, ranging from infrastructure to renewable energy

Liege court to consider whether EC President is immune to corruption charges

The court hearing on January 6 will be held upon an address of the EU office of prosecutor

Russia’s military planning to take note of US attempts to use Greenland to ensure security

According to Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin, the future of Greenland should be decided based on the will of its residents and the current Danish laws

Free Syrian Army deploys heavy weapons to frontline with Kurds — newspaper

Currently, Turkey is not preparing for a direct military operation against Kurdish forces in Syria, but is not dismissing such an option either

Liberation of Kurakhovo to pave way towards Dnepropetrovsk Region — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Ukrainian defenses in the northern part of the Zaporozhye Region were not structured to counter a Russian advance from the east

Termination of Russian gas transit by Kiev contradicts its plan to join EU — Szijjarto

Ukraine, which is a candidate for joining the EU, is obliged to keep energy supply routes, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade noted

Kurakhovo fortified area as crucial as Avdeyevka, Ugledar — official

Denis Pushilin added that the enemy had used considerable forces in the battles for the city

Situation in Chad under control, Infrastructure Minister says

There is no reason to panic, the country's Infrastructure Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh said

Russia donates over 1,600 tons of grain to Ethiopia as aid to refugees — embassy

Russian Ambassador to Addis Ababa Yevgeny Terekhin said that the countries are connected by "long-established strong friendly relations"

Former FBI informant sentenced to six years in prison in Biden case

Alexander Smirnov will also have to pay more than $675,000 to the US Internal Revenue Service, according to documents published in the court's electronic database

US court sentences Canadian to 40 months in prison for exporting electronics to Russia

According to the agency, Nikolay Goltsev "masterminded a global procurement scheme on behalf of sanctioned Russian companies, including Russian military companies"

Boko Haram terrorists attack presidential palace in Chad — TV channel

The country's President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was in the palace at the time of the attack, Al Arabiya reported

AZAL air carrier indefinitely suspends flights between Baku, Kazan

This decision was made due to security issues

Falling drone debris damages private house in Russia’s southern Krasnodar Region

Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said that there were no casualties

Realities for settlement in Ukraine have changed significantly — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said that "the issue of the day should be ending the conflict, not establishing a ceasefire"

Russia hammers Ukrainian army, equipment in over 160 areas in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 245 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Change in Pentagon leadership may affect Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s activities

According to the media, "the dissolution of the group could be a blow to Ukraine, which is losing ground to Russia and is struggling to recruit and train new troops"

Russia’s Su-35S fighter hit stronghold of Ukrainian forces in Kursk region

As the ministry noted, the strike from the Su-34 was carried out using universal planning and correction modules

Frontline situation tense, Ukrainian General Staff acknowledges

Earlier, the Kiev regime reported the forced retreat to the Dnepropetrovsk Region from the Donetsk People’s Republic’s territories controlled by Ukraine

Situation in Chad’s capital back to normal — General Staff

"The situation is fully under our control, the attempt to destabilize the situation has been foiled," he said

Pentagon chief points to Russia’s 'advantages' in Ukraine conflict

Lloyd Austin will chair the 25th meeting of the group of Western countries coordinating weapons supplies to Ukraine

Russian Ka-52M combat helicopter wipes out Ukrainian army stronghold in Kursk area

The Defense Ministry uploaded video footage showing the destruction of enemy targets

Ukraine to fall within 12-18 months without US aid — expert

According to Robert Kagan, an American political analyst, if Ukraine falls, it will be hard to present it otherwise than as a failure of the United States and its president

Russia’s battlegroup East destroys six Ukrainian drone control posts — spokesman

"During the day, the enemy lost up to 160 servicemen, a MaxxPro armored fighting vehicle, a Krab howitzer, two FH-70 and D-30 guns, a vehicle, a electronic warfare station, six drone control posts and two fixed-wing drones," Alexander Gordeyev said

Trump says he won't let China run Panama Canal

Earlier, the president-elect said that the US could regain control of the Panama Canal if the current terms of its use are not renegotiated

Ex-president of Georgia seeks to perform 'presidential duties' in new office in Tbilisi

Salome Zourabichvili's new office is located on Chovelidze Street in the heart of Tbilisi

Kremlin keeps mum about how Russian gas getting to Slovakia

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico called reliable gas supplies to the republic at reasonable prices the main result of December talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow

Zelensky cleared Ukrainian political field enough to secure re-election, experts say

"However, given the ongoing developments at the frontline, his chances are diminishing with each day of combat," Vladimir Zharikhin stressed

Ukrainian troops attacking Kamenka-Dneprovskaya with artillery, drones

Information on casualties and damage is being clarified

Georgia evaded Ukrainian scenario, but struggle for peace continues — government

The political council of the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party reminded that as long as the fighting in Ukraine persists, there will always be efforts to establish a "second front" in Georgia

Expert gives Ukrainian army 10-14 days before they run out of steam in Kursk Region

Ralph Bosshard says that the goal of the Ukrainian offensive operation in the Kursk Region has always been unclear

Musk looking for ways to oust Starmer as British premier — newspaper

"Musk has sought information about whether it might be possible to build support for alternative British political movements," the report said

Israel threatens Syria’s territorial integrity, violates international law — Russian envoy

"Israel’s actions outrageously violate the international legal decisions, including numerous decisions by the Security Council and the General Assembly," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia forcibly expels over 80,000 immigrants in 2024

Over 44,200 foreign citizens and stateless persons were expelled from Russia to 60 countries throughout 2023

Kremlin says following debate around control of Panama Canal in wake of Trump’s remark

"We are watching this exchange of statements very closely," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia calls for peace in Arctic as region remains in its sphere of interests — Kremlin

"We are interested in maintaining an atmosphere of peace and stability and are ready to cooperate with all countries," Dmitry Peskov noted

Press review: Russia notes Japan's militarization while allies expect Ukrainian assault

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 9th

West should remember Donbass in talks about respecting opinion of Greenlanders — Kremlin

"If they claim that public opinion should be taken into account, perhaps we should remind them of the views of those in the four new Russian regions," Dmitry Peskov clarified

Russian units break through Ukrainian defenses near dominant point in DPR

Military expert Andrey Marochko said that in order to reduce threats, the Russian Armed Forces began delivering intensive combined strikes on Ukrainian positions

Chisinau's block of power supplies to Transnistria is mockery — Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that it 'is happening under the model the West is promoting around the world, under the false slogans of freedom and democracy'

Trump labels Ukraine crisis as ‘a Biden fiasco,’ sees chance of escalation

Trump said Russia wouldn’t have started its special military operation if a more competent leader than Biden had been at the helm of the US

Biden cancels Italy trip over California fires — White House

Earlier on Wednesday, Joe Biden announced the introduction of a large-scale disaster regime in California

Moscow ready to provide help to Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

Russia is going to "continue providing multi-faceted assistance to the Syrian people, including through relevant international agencies by supplying humanitarian help, reconstructing social infrastructure facilities destroyed during the conflict, laying the groundwork for the return of Syrian refugees and temporarily displaced persons," Vasily Nebenzya said

Europe loses to Putin in Ukraine despite billions in aid — president

Milorad Dodik paid special attention to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statement about arming Kiev, also noting that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (in office from 2005-2021) also resorted to misleading within the Minsk agreements

Greenland will benefit from joining the US, Trump believes

The US President-elect also confirmed that his son, Donald Trump Jr., will travel to the island "to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights"

Belarusian presidential candidate proposes to strengthen work within Union State

According to Alexander Khizhnyak, the friendly policy will strengthen the image of the republic as a peaceful state and a source of sound initiatives

Ukraine loses over 290 troops in Kursk Region over past day

Trump blames Biden for conflict in Ukraine

Trump also said his term will start in a world engulfed in conflict

Trump says Putin wants to hold talks with him on Ukraine

Trump declined to say when the meeting could take place

Envoy slams decision not to negotiate with Putin Biden's biggest mistake

Keith Kellogg stressed that he believes the new administration will succeed in creating an environment in which Trump will have the opportunity to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky

Slovak PM says stable gas supplies at acceptable prices outcome of his visit to Russia

Robert Fico accused Ukraine of damaging Slovakia's energy security by refusing to extend an agreement on the transit of Russian gas through its territory

At least 19 people killed in attack on presidential palace in Chad — authorities

There were 18 militants among them

Trump wants conflict in Ukraine to end as soon as possible — envoy

Keith Kellogg emphasized that ending the conflict in Ukraine is important for the national security of the United States, Europe and the world

Mozambique’s opposition leader proclaims himself president — media

Venancio Mondlane expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with the authorities, while also urging his supporters to continue protesting against the outcome of the election

Russian Su-35S fighter jets uncover Ukrainian air defense sites in Kursk area

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that "the crews of Su-35S multirole fighter jets practiced air cover in the designated area of sorties by bombers and attack aircraft"

Kremlin urges waiting for Brussels' response to Armenia’s EU initiative — spokesman

Dmitry Peskov also recalled Turkey’s experience, with the country having been pursuing the course towards EU membership for many years, but "seeing no particular reciprocity from Brussels"

Foreign Policy columnist sees West facing 'Who lost Ukraine?' debate

As Stephen Walt noted, the terms of ending Ukraine conflict "are likely to be disappointing to Kiev and its Western supporters"

No comments from Kremlin spokesman about Putin’s alleged apology for Lavrov’s remarks

During the press conference, reporters noted that the Israeli Prime Minister’s office told about Putin’s apologies in its statement, published after the phone call between the two leaders, while the Kremlin did not

Russia to expand gas supplies to Central Asia and consider India pipeline — experts

Gas supplies to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline could surpass the design capacity of 38 billion cubic meters in 2025

Medvedev doubts Trump’s ability to swiftly resolve Ukraine crisis

The Russian senior official added that "the US economy continues at its own slow pace and even the fight against immigrants is not promising major victories"

Putin to only welcome Trump’s will to seek contact — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that the Russian president repeatedly stated his readiness for dialogue as well as the need for this

Transnistria still considers Russia as main gas supplier — foreign minister

For supplies through the TurkStream gas pipeline political decisions are required, Vitaly Ignatyev noted

US admits shipments of ATACMS, F-16s, Abrams tanks did not help Ukraine

The official also said that the most part of the promised weapons has already been delivered, while the remaining weapons are currently being delivered to Ukraine

Ukrainian jails emptied with inmates deployed to frontline — POW

Vladimir Volsky emphasized that he signed a contract with the Ukrainian army in order to be released

Armenia not considering removal of Russian military base — Foreign Ministry

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia requires an EU civil mission to monitor the situation on the border with Azerbaijan until the delimitation process is fully completed

Canada's opposition leader vows to prevent his country from joining the US

Pierre Poilievre also claimed that in the future he intends to ensure the complete security of Canada's borders

Trump-led US will hardly let Europe loose, Russian expert argues

"NATO’s eastern borders will still maintain the functionality of exerting military pressure on Russia, with the bloc’s new members in Northern Europe acting as a springboard for the Pentagon’s coming Arctic expansion," Alexander Stepanov maintained

Over 15,000 Ukrainian troops engaged in Kurakhovo, says Russian top brass

Control over Kurakhovo hinders supplies to Ukrainian troops

US, its allies will continue to train more Ukrainian pilots for F-16 jets — Pentagon

"On the F-16 program, <...> we've been co-leading the [international] Air Capability Coalition," Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said

Paris Hilton's Malibu home burned to the ground in Los Angeles fires — news outlet

According to TMZ, the actress does not live there permanently

Ukraine loses up to 49,800 servicemen since beginning of hostilities in Kursk direction

Sever fighters in the Kursk region have also defeated formations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Kazachya Loknya, Kubatkin, Lebedevka, Nikolskoye, Sudzha, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

General Joseph Aoun sworn in as Lebanon's 14th president

The president pledged to develop "a new Lebanese defense doctrine that will protect the country from Israeli aggression"

Panama Canal Administration will not prevent passage of Russian ships — EFE

The Canal remains safe and open for peaceful transit of vessels of all nations on conditions of full equality either in peace time or in war time, it added

Polish MFA reports shutdown of country's consulate general in St. Petersburg

According to a TASS correspondent in St. Petersburg, Polish and EU flags were removed from the flagpoles on the building

Humanity has fed AI with all its knowledge — Musk

The businessman believes there’s a good chance that artificial intelligence will surpass human capabilities as early as by the end of this year

Ukrainian army abandons servicemen refusing to lay mines — captive

According to Mikhail Kostyuk, following his draft, he went through virtually no training

Energy crisis in Transnistria linked to decisions made by Kiev and Chisinau — Kremlin

"The situation is a real emergency," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Cuts to nickel mine output in Indonesia could remove 35% of global supply

The Indonesian government is weighing cuts to quotas from 272 mln to 150 mln tons this year

Two people die in firefighting at industrial facility in Saratov Region

The state of emergency will be declared in Engels due to extension of the fire area

Russian army captures 18 Ukrainian servicemen west of DPR's Kurakhovo

Russia’s army also destroyed a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, seven pickup trucks, two artillery pieces and an ammunition depot

Range of Russian EMP weapons increased to 10 km — sources

Фn electromagnetic pulse lasts a fraction of a second and reaches the target almost immediately, travelling with the speed of light

Trump says ‘it was always understood’ that Ukraine can’t join NATO

Trump said Moscow had consistently opposed Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO

Trump's statements on Greenland should be assessed after he takes office — MFA

He has not yet taken office, Maria Zakharova noted

Slovak PM threatens Kiev with tough response if gas transit issue remains unresolved

Robert Fico noted that Slovakia could also use its veto power in the EU on Ukraine-related issues

Top Chadian diplomat slams terrorist attack as attempt to destabilize country

"The destabilization attempt has been foiled," Abderaman Koulamallah said in an address to the nation

Ukraine’s allies adopt plans of support to Kiev until 2027 — Pentagon chief

The member countries said in a joint statement, released by the Pentagon, that Kiev’s allies plan to work closely with Ukraine to identify how to meet the designated benchmarks in Ukraine’s military needs through "respective national donations, procurements, investments, and efforts to expand defense industrial base capacity"

Trump's coming to power won’t affect international military aid to Ukraine — Pentagon

The Pentagon spokesman expressed confidence that Western countries' work to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities "will continue one way or another"

Trump said to be serious about acquiring Greenland to expand US influence — Reuters

Sources added that the US president-elect is interested in territorial expansion as a means of creating a legacy that will be remembered for numerous generations

Russian artillery strikes wipe out Ukrainian stronghold as Kiev’s troops flee Kurakhovo

According to a security source, the Ukrainian armed forces are seeking to strengthen their positions west of Kurakhovo

Russian stocks close in the green on Wednesday

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 0.87% to 2,840.79 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 0.87% to 880.13 points

Kamala Harris' Los Angeles home placed in evacuation zone due to wildfire — media

The vice president is currently in Washington

Europe’s anxiety deepens over Trump's plans for future presidency — newspaper

The European allies of the United States from both the EU and NATO are awaiting Trump's return to the White House with great uncertainty

Kremlin keeping eye on US claims to Canada, Greenland — spokesman

"We are closely following these dramatic developments - thank God, it has not gone beyond statements yet," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russians to get opportunity to pay with Mir cards in Iran by June 30 — envoy to Moscow

"The third stage, when Iranian citizens will be able to pay with their cards in Russia, is planned in the second half of 2025," Kazem Jalali said