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Middle East conflict

Release of hostages from Gaza may begin on Sunday, Israeli PM’s office says

On Friday morning, the Israeli security cabinet convened to approve the deal

TEL AVIV, January 17. /TASS/. The first hostages may return to Israel as early as on Sunday, January 19, provided the Israeli cabinet approves the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

"Subject to the approval of the [Israeli] cabinet and the government, and the implementation of the agreement, the release of the hostages can proceed according to the planned framework, and is expected as early as Sunday," the statement reads.

Originally, the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas was announced on January 15 by Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani who emphasized the mediation efforts by Doha, Washington and Cairo.

However, Israel claimed that Hamas officials had put forward last-minute demands that were unacceptable for the Jewish state, holding up the deal again. On Friday morning, the Israeli security cabinet finally convened to approve the deal. Earlier, Netanyahu insisted that the government would ratify the accord only after "all details have been finalized."

Russia ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but no temporary ceasefire — ambassador to UK

Andrey Kelin dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, previously put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron

Kremlin agrees with Trump that he "gave Russia nothing except grief"

Trump introduced sanctions against Moscow and supplied Javelin missile systems for Kiev

Russia needs sustainable peace in Ukraine, not "respite" for rearmament — Zakharova

"We need legally enforceable agreements and mechanisms that will prevent the resumption and recurrence of the crisis," Maria Zakharova stressed

Europe eggs Zelensky on for continued combat, Vance says

US Vice President said in an interview with Fox News

Russia to oppose deployment of European military in Ukraine — Kremlin

Moscow considers it unacceptable, Dmitry Peskov emphasized

France continues to provide intelligence to Ukraine — top defense official

"We transfer the information we have to the Ukrainian side," Sebastien Lecornu emphasized

Russia won’t tolerate NATO contingents in Ukraine, Lavrov says

This would mean a direct, official, open involvement of NATO countries in the war against Russia, the Russian top diplomat emphasized

Resumption of aid to Kiev depends on willingness to seek peace, minerals deal — US envoy

Keith Kellogg noted that the Washington administration would like to know how serious Ukraine was "to get to peace discussions"

Sales of heavy haulers in Russia plunge 50% in February — statistics

Kamaz was the bestseller in February with 1,190 trucks

Kellogg disagrees that Kiev wants peace more than Moscow

According to the envoy, Moscow reached out to the new administration in Washington "fairly fast" on Ukraine settlement matters

IN BRIEF: Lavrov comments on Macron’s `nervous’ remarks, Ukraine peacekeeping plan

According to the Russian foreign minister, the French leader’s nuclear rhetoric presents a threat to Russia, while Moscow remains open to a frank dialogue with all parties

Curfew imposed in Syria’s Latakia province amid clashes with Assad’s supporters — SANA

The Syrian armed forces, controlled by the transitional government, have sent reinforcements from the capital Damascus to Latakia amid the unrest

MFA calls on Macron to apologize to French people for lying about Ukraine settlement

Maria Zakharova recalled that the ex-French president and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel "confessed, not under torture or pressure, that they were not going to fulfill the Minsk accords for all seven years, because they had a different plan"

Russian company to build drone plants in Belarus — CEO

"A turnkey plant project was developed, based on the country’s needs for drones," Yury Kozarenko said

US froze military aid to Kiev because Zelensky took it for granted — intelligence chief

According to Tulsi Gabbard, US President Donald Trump thus sent a signal to Vladymyr Zelensky

Zelensky-Trump clash meant to involve London, Paris in talks, Russian diplomat says

"Zelensky’s heated exchange [with Trump] in the White House served the purpose of getting London and Paris into talks between Kiev and Washington," Rodion Miroshnik wrote

European leaders want 'forever war' — Musk

Earlier, the US businessman said that Vladimir Zelensky wants a "forever war" and not a resolution of the Ukraine conflict

Syria security forces say Assad supporters attack public buildings in Jebla

According to Knefati, there were also attacks on checkpoints and patrols in and around Jebla, which were "premeditated and deliberate."

At least 15 injured as South Korean jet 'accidentally' drops bomb near Seoul

Seven buildings, including a church, were damaged in the city

US officials discuss delegation to future talks on Ukraine, inform Russia, says envoy

When asked whether the US should at least provide Ukraine with "defensive weapons" during a pause in military aid, Witkoff said: "We've been giving them plenty. But I think the larger discussion for us is to get a peace deal done. We want to see peace."

Macron's latest statements on Ukraine nervous — Lavrov

"There is a long distance between a 'strategic defeat of Russia' and the surrender of Ukraine, in general, and at least they found the strength to walk this distance," the top Russian diplomat said

No one prevents Macron from calling Putin — Lavrov

"On the contrary, the president (Putin - TASS) constantly emphasizes his readiness for contacts with all his colleagues," the top Russian diplomat stressed

US reconsidering funding for Ukraine — White House spokesperson

"What he National Security Council told me in regards to that was that they paused, or they are reconsidering the funding for Ukraine," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

Kremlin does not consider US friendly nation

"However, we are currently working to revive and restore bilateral relations," Dmitry Peskov stated

Russia’s Olympic Champion Melnikova gets neutral status permission for int’l tournaments

The list of athletes allowed to participate neutrally at international tournaments in women’s category includes Angelina Melnikova, Maria Agafonova, Alyona Glotova, Anna Kalmykova, Zlata Osokina, Lyudmila Roshchina and Kseniya Zelyayeva

Russia ready for honest conversation about root causes of Ukraine conflict — Lavrov

"I will not speculate on how long this pause may last," the top Russian diplomat said

Trump's entourage in talks with Zaluzhny, Klitschko on outlook for ceasefire — media

According to the sources, "Washington aims to use these contacts to exert internal pressure on Zelensky, compelling him to agree to a ceasefire"

Lavrov compares Macron to Hitler, Napoleon

"Because they stated openly: 'We must conquer Russia, we must defeat Russia'," the top Russian diplomat said

Lavrov to hold talks with OSCE secretary general in Moscow on March 11 — diplomat

According to the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, this situation will not change until Western countries stop using the Vienna platform to suit their own interests and violate OSCE principles, thus destroying this international structure

US hopes Ukraine has changed its stance, is interested in settlement talks — Rubio

"And it would be to the benefit of everyone, the Russian people, the people of Ukraine, the people United States," US Secretary of State said

Transition of Panama Canal under US control won’t affect Russian economy — expert

Alexey Bezborodov recalled that the operator of the ports will be Mediterranean Shipping Company

Russia, Belarus reach new level of economic integration — official

Deputy head of the Russian presidential administration Maxim Oreshkin noted that the issue of technologies was one of the key ones from the standpoint of moving up and achieving results

Press review: Zelensky seeks talks as Europe hesitates to introduce military service

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 6th

Ukraine's attacks on IAEA staff at Zaporozhye nuke plant cannot be left unpunished — envoy

Ukraine had violated written guarantees to ensure the safety of the IAEA observers at the Zaporozhye NPP more than once, Mikhail Ulyanov noted

Europe not to win arms race against Russia as Moscow has no intention of joining — Kremlin

"We will focus on our own matters and secure our own interests," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Top US diplomat acknowledges that conflict in Ukraine is proxy war between US, Russia

"It needs to come to an end," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said

Brussels 'declares war' on European leaders supporting Trump — Russian intelligence

The European Union’s leadership is obviously behind the decision to bring charges against Romanian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, the SVR emphasized

Makeshift graves with bodies of 17 civilians found near Kupyansk — administration

Kharkov Region military-civilian administration deputy head Yevgeny Lisnyak stated that most of the deceased showed signs of being forcibly held, strangled, and had other types of trauma and gunshot wounds

Lavrov calls Macron's statements about Russia’s threat to EU unwise

"Russia needs to eliminate the root causes of the situation that the West has created in Ukraine to subdue, influence, and wage war against the Russian Federation," the top Russian diplomat said

Nobody interested in Europe's proposals on Ukraine — ex-Merkel advisor

According to Erich Vad, it is unrealistic for the Europeans to continue the Ukrainian conflict being the only supporter of Kiev

Russia to work out new countermeasures if Japan continues to support Ukraine — diplomat

On March 3, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced an entry ban for nine Japanese citizens, including Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, as a retaliatory measure to Tokyo’s policy of sanctions

NATO is dead, British expert says

Timothy Ash noted that Europe could no longer rely on the US security guarantee

Ovechkin just nine goals away from Gretzky’s all-time NHL record

Canadian-American ice hockey star Wayne Gretzky played for four different NHL teams between 1979 and 1999, scoring more goals than anyone in history during his 20-year career

Kiev planning to deploy foreign mercenaries to Chasov Yar in Donetsk region — expert

In that frontline area, the enemy is hastily delivering concrete slabs by railways to create a defensive line, Vitaly Kiselyov said

US developing plan to seize Iranian oil tankers — media

The experts interviewed by the agency added that the aggressive actions of the United States may in the short term reduce Iran's exports by about 750,000 barrels per day

Peace approaching soon, resulting in Russia's further elevation — Republika Srpska leader

Milorad Dodik has also said that in terms of geopolitics, Ukraine is not a country that deserves to survive

Stages of creating Russian industrial zone in Egypt to be finalized in May — ministry

According to Roman Chekushov, it is necessary to obtain the Russian government’s consent of the concept that was discussed with the Egyptian side

Hamas units in Gaza remain on high alert, official says

Abu Ubaida stated that Israel’s threats to resume military operations in the enclave would only cause more "disappointment" to the Jewish state

Russia says its Buk air defense system destroyed Ukrainian air-launched missiles over DPR

The ministry added that anti-aircraft crews are on 24-hour combat duty

Putin says armed conflict in Ukraine forced on Russia

"The entire law enforcement sector and its key link, the Interior Ministry, should certainly build all their activities based on these threats, which undoubtedly arise in today's situation," the Russian president said

For first time in decades, European Council makes no mention of US in defense statement

The document, however, makes one mention of NATO

All EU members but Hungary back bigger aid to Ukraine

"EU's aid to Ukraine and the rearmament plan gained the support of 26 countries out of the total of 27," the diplomat said.

Ukraine's disconnection from Starlink would set Ukraine back to last century — newspaper

If Washington cuts the system, it could also lead to a conflict with Poland, which is currently paying for 20,000 terminals on the network for Kiev's use

EU torpedoing mere prerequisites for peace in Ukraine — Russian diplomat

Meanwhile, Washington’s rhetoric has turned more realistic of late, Maria Zakharova noted

US to resume arms supplies to Kiev if rare-earths deal is signed — Medvedev

Earlier, a Pentagon spokesman told TASS that the US Armed Forces have suspended military aid deliveries to Ukraine

US, Ukraine to discuss ways to resolve conflict at meeting in Saudi Arabia — envoy

The Axios news website reported earlier, citing sources, that US and Ukrainian officials would "discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire" at a meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 12

Russia-China duo important stabilizing factor in world affairs — MFA

The two countries make a significant contribution to the democratization of international relations and the establishment of a fairer multipolar world order, Maria Zakharova stated

Press review: EU opposition backs US aligned approach as Russia mediates talks with Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 5th

Russia urges Germany to assess risks of supporting terrorist organizations — diplomat

"Germany has already had a bitter experience in this regard," Maria Zakharova emphasized

Moldovan prime minister refutes Macron's statement about threat from Russia

"At this stage, we do not see how Russia could pose a military threat to Moldova," Dorin Recean stated

Respite for Ukrainian forces on battlefield unacceptable — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the true intention of France and the UK, which came up with a plan for Ukraine, was to prevent a collapse of the front line for Ukrainian forces

Kremlin says Minsk best site for Ukrainian talks

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the main Russian ally is Belarus

Istanbul agreements may be departure point for Ukraine talks — US envoy

"You can start from that position," US president's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg stated

Polish PM highlights need for Europe to enter arms race with Russia

According to Donald Tusk, initiatives aimed at increasing funding for the defense industry mark the first step along this path

Explosive device detonates in ATM in northeast Moscow

According to the preliminary version, the ATM was damaged by the explosion of three firecrackers

Trump makes it clear to Zelensky there is path back to talks with Washington — US envoy

Trump said earlier that he had received a message from Zelensky with the latter expressing his readiness for talks on a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine

US seeks dialogue with Russia, China to get rid of nuclear weapons — Trump

Trump pointed out that he had discussed the issue with Moscow and Beijing during his first term in office

International Criminal Court: at a crossroads or at an impasse?

Putin appoints Alexander Darchiev as ambassador to the United States

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, an agreement to ensure the swiftest appointment of Russian and US ambassadors was reached at the February 18 Russia-US talks in Saudi Arabia

Russian troops liberate Andreyevka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted more than 70 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Black Sea fleet receives Katran boat, Skvorets drones

The naval commando unit received a jet ski from party chairman Dmitry Medvedev

Brussels seeks "peaceful strength" in Ukraine, rearms — EC head

The ReArm Europe Plan gives the EU member states the opportunity to invest in the Ukrainian defense industry or to procure military capabilities that go directly to Ukraine

Famous Ukrainian TV host calls for appearance of new Lee Harvey Oswald

The host clearly hinted at incumbent US President Donald Trump, who had already survived an assassination attempt during his election campaign on July 13, 2024, sustaining a light injury

Trump suspends introduction of tariffs on some goods from Mexico until April 2

On March 4, the U.S. administration imposed tariffs of 25% on almost all imports from Canada and Mexico

Zelensky says US, Ukrainian negotiators to resume talks

According to the earlier reports, US and Ukrainian teams are set to meet in Saudi Arabia on March 12

Young Ukrainian contract servicemen likely to die before receiving pay — Russian senator

The world strongly responds to the behavior of employees of territorial centers for recruitment, Natalia Nikonorova noted

EU asks EC, Slovakia, Ukraine to find solutions to issue of Russian gas transit

Russian gas transit to Europe, including Slovakia, via Ukraine was fully halted on January 1 due to Kiev’s refusal to extend a relevant agreement

Trump says he plans to visit Saudi Arabia soon

The US president did not answer whether he plans to visit Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

IN BRIEF: What is known about accidental bomb release in South Korea

Local residents have been advised to evacuate during the operation

Russian ministry to reduce home care, cosmetics share in parallel import list

Russian producers achieved full self-support for many products in this sphere, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Roman Chekushov said

EU leaders stop short of approving defense loans to member states

They called on the Council to consider the proposal as a matter of urgency

EU cannot effectively replace Starlink satellites, expert believes

Earlier, a European Commission spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, told reporters that the bloc is working to develop an alternative to Starlink for Ukraine but that it will become operational by 2030 only

Russian artillery crews wipe out Ukrainian stronghold near Chasov Yar

According to the ministry, drone operators carry out aerial reconnaissance missions round-the-clock to stop enemy targets

Putin asks Russia's opponents to recall ending of Napoleon's campaign

"All the mistakes of our enemies and adversaries began in the same way: with a profound underestimation of the Russian character and, more broadly, of the representatives of Russian culture," the Russian leader stressed

Macron’s statements on 'Russian threat' full of inaccuracies — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov described the French leader’s statements as "very confrontational"

EU militarization to be carried out in cooperation with NATO — European Council

With priority status assigned to long-range artillery and missiles

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Poland not ready to transfer MiG-29 jets to Ukraine yet — Duda

Warsaw previously transferred 14 MiG-29 aircraft to Kiev

Washington, Moscow, Kiev made a lot of progress in past few days — Trump

"It'd be great to bring that to an end", US President said

Dollar, euro having less than 30% in payments in BRICS — Russian Finance Minister

"The share of the dollar and the euro is declining and it is less than 30% now," Anton Siluanov noted

Russia’s defense chief inspects laser innovations at Sarov federal nuclear center

Andrey Belousov held a working meeting with the heads of the Russian Federal Nuclear Center and specialized military agencies

Russia to introduce responsibility for executives of companies hiring illegal workers

Relevant authorities should close any loopholes for illegal workers and unfair employers by common efforts, Dmitry Medvedev noted

Trump administration plans to revoke refugee status from 240,000 Ukrainians — report

According to Reuters, the planned legal status revocations will also affect 70,000 Afghans, including opponents of the Taliban (banned in Russia), along with 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans

Ukraine won’t be able to use Storm Shadow missiles without US intelligence — newspaper

The US has not only stopped sending its intelligence to Ukraine, but also prohibited the UK from sharing it with Kiev

Authorities announce curfew in Syrian province of Homs — agency

The curfew will last from 10:00 p.m. on Thursday to 8:00 a.m. on Friday

As long as France is in NATO, it will be unable to manage nuclear arms on its own — expert

Alexander Mikhailov characterized Emmanuel Macron's statements as "political bravado," reflecting his desire to "consolidate his status as the informal leader of Europe"

NATO faces crisis as member states increasingly distrust each other over intel — newspaper

An unnamed current NATO official, meanwhile, urged that such threats should not be exaggerated. He said that there are "naturally a lot of questions" after Trump's dispute with Vladimir Zelensky at the White House

Pentagon's declaration of readiness for war with China leads to confrontation — diplomat

According to Lin Jian, Beijing advises the US authorities not to apply "hegemonic logic" to China and not to build Sino-US relations "guided by outdated Cold War thinking"

Zelensky plans to visit Saudi Arabia on March 10

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Witcoff said earlier that delegations from Kiev and Washington planned to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukrainian reconciliation

Macron's remarks disconnected from reality, Russian diplomat says

Earlier, in his address to the public, Macron discussed the growing threats to Europe and the nation, including alleged ones from Russia

Russia sees no ground for compromise on EU military deployment in Ukraine — Lavrov

"If you have already deployed troops into the territory, you are unlikely to negotiate any conditions because you are shaping the situation on the ground," the Russian foreign minister emphasized