Middle East conflict

20 Jan, 09:43

Hamas confirms Israel releasing first group of Palestinian prisoners

Overnight, the Jerusalem Post reported that Israel’s authorities had released 90 Palestinian prisoners within the framework of the deal with Hamas in exchange for three female hostages freed on January 19

CAIRO, January 20. /TASS/. The Gaza-based Palestinian radical organization Hamas has confirmed that Israel had released the first group of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages freed on Sunday.

"We congratulate the people of Palestine on the release of the first group of our prisoners from Israeli jails within the framework of the swap deal," the movement said on its official Telegram channel. Hamas insists that many of the freed prisoners are allegedly in poor psychological and physical condition without citing any details.

Overnight, the Jerusalem Post reported that Israel’s authorities had released 90 Palestinian prisoners within the framework of the deal with Hamas in exchange for three female hostages freed on January 19. The first three hostages released under the deal after being held in the Gaza Strip for 470 days were civilians Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. They were greeted by Israeli troops and taken to Israel on Sunday night.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani announced on January 15 that through mediation efforts by Doha, Cairo, and Washington, Israel and Hamas agreed on the release of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire. During the initial 42-day phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

Middle East conflict

Number of Palestinians killed during Israeli attacks on Gaza in past day rises to 77 — TV

Earlier reports said 24 people were killed and 55 wounded

Yesterday, 20:06

Russian stock market plunging for eleven trading days in a row

The market is declining continuously since March 19

At least 17 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on south Gaza — TV

Besides, the Al Jazeera reported intense bombing of southeastern districts of Gaza City

Yesterday, 14:42

Europe's militarization fuels people’s discontent over EU authorities — expert

As Catherine de Vries noted, "the cost of rearmament and military readiness will have direct implications for European voters, who have traditionally prioritized social welfare spending"

Yesterday, 17:22

Russi’s agricultural production rises by 1.7% in January-February 2025

As of the end of February 2025, the total cattle population across all agricultural producers was estimated at 16.4 mln head, marking a 4.4% decline compared to the corresponding date in the previous year, including 7.2 mln dairy cows

Yesterday, 17:45

Sollers Group launches mass production of manual transmissions for ST6, ST8

These transmissions will expand the current lineup of produced units, which are already used in various modifications of the Sollers Atlant with 2.7-liter engines, diesel versions of the Sollers Argo, and the Sollers ST6 and ST8 pickup trucks

Yesterday, 12:16

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts up to 435 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

The Ukrainian military lost over 95 troops, an armored personnel carrier, two armored combat vehicles, three motor vehicles and a field artillery gun in Belgorod area over 24 hours

US strike Houthi military site in northwest Yemen — TV

According to the report, at least 15 strikes were delivered at various targets near the region’s administrative center bearing the same name

Yesterday, 06:59

Hollywood star Val Kilmer known for Batman, Jim Morrison roles dies at 65

In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer and later recovered

Two days ago, 08:21

French, German, US citizens increasingly relocate to Russia — Russian lawmaker

Maria Butina noted that the choice of regions is explained by climatic conditions and a developed economy

Yesterday, 17:52

Amazon submits bid to acquire TikTok — NYT

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that he had no desire to ban TikTok and expressed confidence that a deal for the platform’s sale would be reached

Yesterday, 04:50

Europe receives record amount of LNG from terminals in March

By the end of March, flows amounted to about 12.7 billion cubic meters, representing a 17% increase over February and a 19% rise compared to March 2024

Press review: Germany mulls Nord Stream restoration as Zaporozhye NPP sparks talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 28th

Yesterday, 16:23

Armenia unlikely to combine membership of EU, EAEU, CSTO — Russian Foreign Ministry

On March 26, the Armenian parliament passed a law initiating the process of accession to the European Union in its second and final reading

Two days ago, 09:10

World majority countries see Russia-China relations as stabilizing factor — Lavrov

"We recognize the responsibility of Moscow and Beijing to maintain close coordination in the international arena," the Russian foreign minister stressed

Yesterday, 10:28

Kiev regime fails to join moratorium on strikes against energy facilities — Kremlin

"As it has already been said, we are working to bring it to the attention of the Americans," Dmitry Peskov noted

Yesterday, 08:38

Joint actions by Russia, Belarus reliably ensure security of both countries — Putin

The Russian president specified that Russia and Belarus consistently defend their legitimate foreign policy interests and collaborate with international partners to establish "a fairer multipolar world order"

Yesterday, 20:27

Israeli shelling of southern Gaza kills nine Palestinians, including four children — TV

According to Al Jazeera, residential buildings in the al-Nasr neighborhood in the eastern part of the city were targeted

Two days ago, 10:00

Press review: EU, UK weigh new sanctions on Russia as Trump’s threat to Iran may spark war

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 1st

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

Yesterday, 19:30

US looks to weaken Russia’s ties with Iran, China, North Korea — Kellogg

Cooperation between China and Russia is viewed by the US as "global issue" that also involves Iran and North Korea, according to the envoy

28 Apr 2023, 16:33

Vatican cannot recognize OCU until all Orthodox Churches do — expert

Don Stefano Caprio recalled Pope Francis’ visit to Kazakhstan in September of last year for the VII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

Yesterday, 20:14

Trump’s envoy on Ukraine says Moscow, Kiev ‘on precipice’ of ceasefire

According to Keith Kellogg, US president is "very, very engaged" on issues related to resolving the conflict

Yesterday, 17:13

Lavrov highlights logistical advantages for EAEU members and partners

The Russian foreign minister underscored that the EAEU operates on principles of equality and mutual benefit

US sees ‘good cooperation’ from Russia and Ukraine on conflict settlement — Trump

US leader assured that he would like to get the conflict in Ukraine ended, and at the same time he wants to prevent another conflict, in the Middle East, from happening

Yesterday, 17:25

Real wages in Russia rise by 6.5% in January — statistics

The average monthly nominal wage of employees in organizations amounted to 88,981 rubles ($1,056) in January

Yesterday, 22:22

Israel attacks Syrian military sites near Palmyra, Hama, Damascus

IDF press service said in a statement that it 'will continue to operate to remove any threat to Israeli civilians'

Yesterday, 20:03

Israeli jets attack military site in northern Damascus — report

According to the report, the attack was followed by a strong explosion that was heard across Damascus and its surroundings

Yesterday, 13:47

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, 08:46

Immigrants increase terrorist threat in Russia, prosecutor general says

According to Igor Krasnov, criminal charges have been brought against 179 foreigners and persons without citizenship for radical offenses

Trump's son says Le Pen's verdict proves Vance right about EU

The US State Department declined to comment

Trump annoyed with comments from both sides of Ukraine conflict — White House

According to the television channel, the US president also said he was "very angry" about the comments that Russian President Vladimir Putin made about Vladimir Zelensky and officials in Kiev

Yesterday, 17:20

Ruble strengthening still not eyed as stable disinflationary factor — Bank of Russia

Although influence of monetary policy on the rate weakened since 2022 due to capital movement restrictions, this channel of the transmission mechanism is working, the regulator noted

Yesterday, 18:51

Russia’s public catering turnover up 9% YOY in 2M 2025 — statistics

The restaurant market turnover added 0.8% monthly in February 2025

Two days ago, 14:02

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

Yesterday, 21:15

US to impose reciprocal tariffs of 34% on imports from China, 20% on goods from EU — Trump

In addition, similar measures will affect Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Switzerland, Japan, and other countries

Yesterday, 00:37

UAV debris hit apartment building in downtown Kursk, hurting no one

60 people will be temporarily evacuated while emergency crews assess and repair the damage

Yesterday, 18:13

Houthis say US strikes cut off water supply to 50,000 people

On March 15, Trump announced the US was starting a military operation against the Houthis, who control about a third of Yemen's territory

3 Mar 2022, 14:40

Foreign mercenaries in Ukraine will not have POW status — Russian military

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned that all foreign mercenaries, detained in Ukraine, would be brought to justice on criminal charges

Yesterday, 18:38

Pilots under medical supervision after crash of Tu-22M3 plane in eastern Russia — governor

The crew of four pilots ejected, but one of them died

Yesterday, 10:51

No US reaction to ongoing Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities yet — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov advised turning to the Foreign Ministry with a question about a diplomatic reaction

Yesterday, 17:38

Trump tells his team that Musk's role in politics to soon diminish — newspaper

Politico pointed out Musk's role is likely to diminish after he loses his status as a "special government employee" doing work on behalf of the US federal government

Two days ago, 16:23

Putin meets with Republika Srpska President Dodik — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that he plans to visit Moscow on May 9 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory

Yesterday, 16:46

Annual inflation in Russia accelerates to 10.24% — Economy Ministry

Prices changed by 0.05% in the non-food segment. Prices continued going down for electric and domestic appliances

Yesterday, 17:42

Russia’s telecom watchdog repels over 1,100 DDoS attacks on critical systems in March

According to Center, the majority of attack sources were linked to IP addresses registered in the United States, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany

Missing plane found crashed in Alaska, all 10 people aboard killed — report

It is unclear yet what caused the accident

Two days ago, 13:38

More than half of Ukrainians support peaceful settlement of conflict — poll

11% of polled Ukrainians supported a return to the 1991 country’s borders

Yesterday, 13:06

'Cowboy money' coming into Russia — Finance Ministry

The amounts of money are very small thus far, Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov noted

Two days ago, 06:55

US Institute of Peace deletes financial data to cover crimes, Musk says

The entrepreneur noted that the data had been recovered

Two days ago, 13:51

Hungary, Slovakia boost gas supplies from Russia, bypassing Ukraine — Szijjarto

According to the Hungarian Foreign Minister, the volume will rise to 3.5 billion cubic meters

Yesterday, 16:09

Spaniards detained near Baikonur spaceport released — source

"On April 1, at night, on the territory of the Baikonur spaceport, staff at the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation at the Baikonur complex detained four foreign citizens who tried to enter without authorization the protected area where space infrastructure facilities are located," the statement said

Yesterday, 16:29

US strikes kill over 60 civilians in Yemen — Houthis

According to it, the number of civilians killed in Yemen since the escalation of the Middle East conflict in October 2023 has reached 250, with another 714 injured

Yesterday, 18:03

Israel to increase pressure on Gaza until radicals release hostages, Netanyahu says

Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had expanded its military operation in the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on the Hamas movement

Yesterday, 22:20

US to impose 25% tariff on all imported cars since April 3 — Trump

In his words, US carmakers also face serious trade restrictions in India, South Korea and Japan

Yesterday, 13:46

Taiwan’s independence incompatible with peace in Taiwan Strait — China’s Defense Ministry

The military official noted that the PLA military exercise around the island is "completely legitimate, necessary and reasonable" and serves as a powerful deterrent against supporters of Taiwan’s independence, who are "deliberately provoking a war"

Yesterday, 14:54

Putin authorized Russian shares buyout from Goldman Sachs

The US-based Goldman Sachs suspended operations in Russia in March 2022

Yesterday, 17:34

US preparing to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in coming weeks — Daily Mail

An Israeli diplomatic source said that the government believes that "From Israel's perspective, with Trump in the White House, this represents the optimum moment to deal with Iran"

Yesterday, 19:02

Musk to stop working for US authorities after fulfilling DOGE goals

"This scoop is garbage," Leavitt emphasized

Yesterday, 15:39

US reporter says Dmitriev to meet with Witkoff at White House on April 2

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier confirmed to reporters that the Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO may visit Washington in the near future

Yesterday, 20:41

Israel carries out airstrikes on Syrian military airfields in 2 provinces — report

The report gave no indication of the damage, if any, from the attacks

Yesterday, 11:23

Russia to seek resolution of root causes of conflict in Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said that at the talks with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Moscow confirmed its gratitude to its Vietnamese friends "for their consistent, balanced, and objective position on the causes of the Ukrainian crisis"

Yesterday, 11:24

French politician Le Pen says 2027 presidential election could be her last

The politician stressed that despite a court ruling that she could not seek election, she was not going to let that stop her from running, and had no plans to choose a replacement

Yesterday, 01:18

‘Liberation Day:’ Trump imposes retaliatory customs duties against 'all countries'

US president is expected to personally announce the details of the restrictions

Yesterday, 16:43

Threats to bomb Iranian nuclear sites unacceptable — Russian Foreign Ministry

The parties also confirmed the course set at the high-level consultations between Russia, China and Iran on March 14 in Beijing to find "viable, sustainable negotiated solutions" that dispel Western prejudices and misunderstandings regarding the Iranian nuclear program, while taking due account of Tehran's legitimate right to the peaceful use of atomic energy arising from the country's participation in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Elon Musk dismisses claims that his role in politics will soon diminish

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added that he would 'depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete'

US’ draft minerals deal unconstitutional, Zelensky's office says

Sergey Leshchenko added that Kiev should take into account that US President Donald Trump, whose administration has put forward the agreement, "is there for a long time"

Two days ago, 14:54

New French ambassador comes to Russia, presents copies of credentials — Foreign Ministry

Nicolas de Riviere replaced Pierre Levy, who had held this position since 2020

Yesterday, 14:32

Europe angling to put Ukraine under its thumb via troop occupation — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik noted that the number of troops discussed by European nations will not significantly impact the situation in Ukraine

Yesterday, 18:52

Russia open to realistic peace initiatives, mediation offers on Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

The statement read that the meeting was held in a friendly and trusting atmosphere typical of Russian-Chinese communication

Two days ago, 03:46

Kiev loses almost 22,000 troops, mercenaries in March in battles near LPR — expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko pointed out that during March Russian fighters advanced deep into the enemy's defenses

Yesterday, 16:02

European Parliament nominates Jeffrey Sachs for Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize

Nominations for the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize continue to flow in

Yesterday, 07:37

Russian forces sink three Ukrainian boats trying to cross Dnieper in Kherson Region

According to the report, the enemy keeps trying to disrupt spring fieldwork in the Kherson Region

Yesterday, 12:25

Badra Gunba sworn in as president of Abkhazia

Following the ceremony, the Abkhazian president addressed his compatriots

Yesterday, 12:37

Washington unable to dictate terms to Tehran like it does to Kiev — Iranian MP

Abolfazl Zohrevand emphasized that Iran possessed significantly greater capabilities and potential than Ukraine, and that Donald Trump was well aware of that

Syrian security forces clash with ex-president’s supporters in Aleppo — TV

No casualty reports are available at this point

Yesterday, 17:02

No one refused to participate in Operation Pipeline — Russia's deputy defense minister

Assessing the operation, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov stressed that it demonstrated "the highest level" - a small force performed a daring maneuver to determine the outcome of the battle

Yesterday, 13:42

Europe’s 'reassurance force' plan for Ukraine akin to occupation — Russian envoy

The idea behind the plan is "to take control over [Ukraine’s] political regime militarily while retaining external governance of this land regardless of how negotiations may end," Rodion Miroshnik maintained

Yesterday, 17:33

47th Moscow International Film Festival to be true global showcase

Kudryavtsev said that this year, the festival received over 1,600 submissions, a 17% increase from the year before

Yesterday, 12:57

Ukrainian attack causes temporary outage at Caspian Pipeline facilities — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, a large amount of damage was inflicted there

Yesterday, 18:15

Russian envoy arrives in Washington, CNN says

Dmitriev is expected to meet special envoy of the US leader Steve Witkoff later on Wednesday, the TV channel says

New customs tariffs to help US quickly reduce its state debt — Trump

In his words, the measures will 'supercharge our domestic industrial base'

Yesterday, 21:34

Eight OPEC+ countries to hold online meeting on Thursday

In the meantime, Reuters reports, citing its sources, that the meeting may decide to increase OPEC+ oil production in May

At least 10 killed in Israeli air strikes on Syria’s Nawa — TV

The foreign ministry of the republic’s transitional government said dozens of civilians and servicemen have been wounded in these strikes

Yesterday, 20:05

Interpol turns down request for arrest of Republika Srpska leaders — Dodik

The Republika Srpska president thanked Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for "clear and principled communication with Interpol"

Yesterday, 10:00

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

Polish premier urges EU to give adequate response to US tariffs

Donald Tusk said that 'friendship means partnership'

Yesterday, 19:31

Construction work volume in Russia up 11.9% annually in February 2025 — statistics

According to the business activity research for construction entities completed as of February 10, 2025, the business confidence index in construction lost 8% annually

Yesterday, 10:39

Large deposit of rare earth metals discovered in Kazakhstan — ministry

The ministry explained that it concerns the Zhana Kazakhstan area, which includes almost the entire Kuyrektykol site

Yesterday, 18:42

US not to withdraw troops from Europe — NATO Secretary General

Rutte pointed out that military plans take a wide range of scenarios into account

Yesterday, 14:33

Ukrainian official says country unlikely to cancel martial law in May

According to the official, US efforts to achieve a settlement in Ukraine have not yet yielded a result

Yesterday, 14:08

Russia, Vietnam to expedite safeguarding ties from Western sanctions — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that payments in the banking sphere "are now impacted by unlawful Western sanctions that were introduced during the last several years"

Yesterday, 17:19

Russia’s annual GDP growth in February stands at 0.8%, down from 3% in January

The ministry noted that the overall dynamics of key macroeconomic indicators in February were largely influenced by the calendar factor, as February 2025 had one fewer day than February 2024

Yesterday, 14:36

Ukrainian troops hit gas-distributing station in LPR, leaving 11,100 people without gas

"The strike hit the hydrate prevention node, which resulted in damage to the gas-distributing station equipment and ignition," the statement reads

Yesterday, 15:52

US adds Russian individuals, companies to sanction list

Restrictions cover Russian companies Edison, Kolibri Group and Sky Frame, and AM Theseus vessel

Yesterday, 02:42

IAEA chief says may visit Russia in May

Rafael Grossi said that there is no exact date yet

Yesterday, 18:36

Toyota to recall 1,913 Land Cruiser SUVs in Russia

"The recall applies to 1,913 Toyota LC 300 and LX 600 automobiles manufactured in the period from April 2001 to February 2022, with VINs according to the appendix," the regulator said

Russia not included in list of nations, subject to US customs duties

The document mentions a number of former Soviet republics

European brands expect Moscow to quickly pardon everything — Russian diplomat

According to Kirill Logvinov, the respective decisions will be made individually

Yesterday, 17:34

Belarus-Russia exchange trade turnover grows by 17% in Q1 2025

Russia remains not only the largest trading partner on BUCE but also the main destination for Belarusian exchange exports

Russian, US officials begin meeting in Washington — WP

The talks are ‘ongoing,’ said this person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter

Yesterday, 20:16

Work on US-Ukraine minerals deal still ongoing — Kellogg

The deal would benefit both countries, according to the US Special Envoy