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.

Top Hungarian diplomat doubts NATO’s ability to send peacekeepers to Ukraine

Peter Szijjaro added that Moscow opposed the deployment of peacekeepers from NATO countries to Ukraine, so attempts to send such forces to the country could lead to a direct conflict between the North Atlantic Alliance and Russia

Yesterday, 15:59

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

US to skip next Ramstein meeting on Ukraine, but flow of weapons continues — NATO chief

"The Brits and the Germans, the two defense ministers, will chair the meeting together," the NATO chief stressed, confirming that the United States will not take part

Yesterday, 21:51

Russian envoy says he discussed cooperation on Arctic, rare earth minerals during US visit

Potential interactions in other sectors were also discussed, noted Kirill Dmitriev

Yesterday, 14:12

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"

Sahel countries to gain strength by acquiring latest equipment from Russia

According to the statement, the Russian side expressed its readiness to offer the necessary technical assistance

Yesterday, 11:25

Trump’s administration to continue trying to contain and weaken Russia — senior diplomat

"We do not intend to overstate this report, but we must not ignore its influence on the policies under Trump’s presidency," Sergey Ryabkov remarked

Yesterday, 07:25

Kiev regime had no time to conceal its crimes in Kursk Region — Russian mission to UN

Dmitry Polyansky pointed out that, while fleeing en masse, Ukrainian troops were abandoning expensive Western-made hardware

Yesterday, 12:05

Mali regards Ukraine terrorist state — Foreign Minister

According to Abdoulaye Diop, the Sahel states and Russia have common approaches and views on security issues, and "equally recognize and see how it is necessary to fight terrorism to ensure security in the region"

Yesterday, 10:31

Rubio says United States to remain in NATO

It is stated that Trump is not against NATO

EU anticipates another Putin-Trump conversation soon — Politico

Earlier, Trump announced plans to hold another phone conversation with Putin this week

Trump administration hears Russia’s position, Russian envoy says

Unlike President Joe Biden, Donald Trump's administration is listening to Russia's position, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special envoy said

Russia downs 107 Ukrainian drones over 10 regions, Sea of Azov

In particular, 34 UAVs were intercepted over the Kursk Region, 30 over the Oryol Region and 18 over the Lipetsk Region

Yesterday, 16:10

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reiterates threat to destroy Israel

On April 1, 2024, an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus killed 13 people, including seven high-ranking Iranian military advisors

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, 18:15

UN official comments on detention of leader of Moldova's autonomous region

Gutsul earlier called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to pay attention to the situation around the autonomous region

Yesterday, 15:06

Trump introduces sweeping tariffs: globe reacts

The US president also declared a state of emergency in the country due to the economic situation and trade deficit

Two days ago, 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, 13:28

Hungary to exit ICC as it becomes 'political instrument' — Orban

"The Hungarian minister of justice will hand over to the national parliament the paperwork on our termination of cooperation with the court," the Hungarian prime minister said

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, 12:54

Majority of Americans oppose idea of Trump serving third term as president, poll shows

The respondents largely don’t approve of the activities of the parties they support (37% among Republicans and 33% among Democrats)

Yesterday, 22:01

Dmitriev says 'three steps forward' made following meetings in Washington

According to Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy, the issues have been piling up: for three years, there was virtually no communication between Russia and the United States

Russia unlikely to benefit from US tariffs, which share global economy — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed to "rather unfavorable forecasts from various economists, including those who are globally renowned"

Yesterday, 12:50

Russian troops liberate two communities In Donetsk area, Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 235 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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

South Korea’s Constitutional Court upholds president’s impeachment

Kremlin says no signals yet from Europe about willingness for dialogue or talks with Putin

Earlier, the "coalition of the willing" agreed that at least one European leader should speak to Russia

Yesterday, 12:37

Russian units wipe out up to 100 Ukrainian troops while mopping up Veseloye in DPR

The ministry stressed that MLRS and assault drone crews in coordination with unmanned aerial vehicle operators eliminated firing positions and stationing areas of Ukrainian troops

Yesterday, 17:50

NATO defense official says Russia has advantages in geography, combat readiness

Cavoli suggested that in the event of a hypothetical conflict, Russia could quickly build up its troops on its borders to counter NATO troops

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, 22:00

Dates of new round of Russia-US talks to be set soon — Dmitriev

This dialogue will continue, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy emphasized

Yesterday, 15:17

Pentagon believes Russia steps up military technology exchanges with China, Iran, DPRK

The hearings of the abovementioned committee focus on the strategy of the US military's European and African Commands

Yesterday, 18:07

Trump's tariffs lay ground for self-sufficient US economy — Russian envoy

The Russian presidential envoy and special envoy of the US leader Steve Witkoff have a meeting in Washington on April 3

Yesterday, 18:05

US Senate idea to tax countries working with Russia could cripple global economy — expert

In his opinion, US President Donald Trump "continues to be under severe pressure"

Yesterday, 17:21

Finland has until July 7 to explain closing border with Russia — ECHR

It added that the Finnish cabinet "was notified in March 2025"

Yesterday, 15:38

Russia replaces equipment at unprecedented pace, builds up forces — NATO defense official

According to Cavoli’s estimantes, the Russian Armed Forces are "today larger than it was at the beginning" of the special military operation

Yesterday, 19:51

Moscow, Tehran seek to implement Strategic Partnership Treaty pronto — Russian MFA

The ministry added that the parties had expressed satisfaction with positive trends in multifaceted cooperation between the two countries

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

Two days ago, 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

US VP Vance recognizes Russia not Europe's main problem — RDIF chief

Kirill Dmitriev praised the US vice president for his directness, adding that he doesn’t mince words like officials in Brussels like to do

Ukraine hits Russian energy sites six times over day — top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, on April 3 at 11:28 p.m. Moscow time [8:28 p.m. GMT], a low-pressure gas pipeline was damaged as a result of an attack by a Ukrainian strike drone on a settlement in the Bryansk Region

Russian envoy says Trump administration averted World War III

US President Donald Trump’s administration also made significant progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Kirill Dmitriev said

Iran must not become a nuclear state, Israel’s top diplomat insists

On the likelihood of reaching a new nuclear deal with Iran, Sa’ar said that the political situation globally has changed, with a "tougher president" in the White House and Iran, too, having a new head of state

Ukraine suffers heavy losses attempting to break into Belgorod Region — commander

According to Lieutenant-General Apty Alaudinov, everything is under control now, and these areas are being cleared

Putin, Trump leadership helps make headway in Ukraine settlement — Russian envoy

For example, under the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, an agreement has been reached between Russia and Ukraine to essentially refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure, Kirill Dmitriev said

Yesterday, 20:01

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%

Lavrov, Vatican foreign affairs secretary discuss Ukraine — Russian MFA

Sergey Lavrov expressed gratitude to the Holy See for its assistance in resolving humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement

Moscow wants to hear US concerns, but will act based on its own interests - Russian envoy

During his meetings with officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration he discussed not only economic and investment issues, but also the restoration of communication between the two countries

Top diplomat reveals what could make US reevaluate approach to Ukraine settlement

"President Trump is not going to fall into the trap of endless negotiations about negotiations," Marco Rubio stressed

Top US diplomat says he took part in Washington talks with Russian envoy Dmitriev

According to Marco Rubio, "the message is the United States needs to know whether you're serious or not about peace"

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

Trump blasts Le Pen’s conviction as ‘witch hunt’

"The witch hunt against Marine Le Pen is another example of European leftists using lawfare to silence free speech, and censor their political opponent, this time going so far as to put that opponent in prison," the US leader stated

Yesterday, 15:44

Finland has lot of work to do to improve relations with Russia — diplomat

"Just throwing out a call [to restore relations] is clearly not enough," Maria Zakharova said

Palestinian cabinet condemns Israel’s move to capture ‘Morag axis,’ split up Gaza

The cabinet strongly condemned the "brutal escalation of Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip"

Yesterday, 13:47

West plans 'another spectacle' on Bucha anniversary — Zakharova

In July 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he would send a new request to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to provide Russia with the names of people whose bodies were shown in the media, implying that reports about civilian deaths in Bucha were fabricated

Russia lodges protest with Moldovan ambassador over expulsion of three diplomats

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that "the embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova operates in strict accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961"

Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq slump in biggest one-day decline since 2020 — report

The hardest hit were companies relying on international supply chains

Russian envoy says US firms that fled country lost $300 bln in potential income

Russia is not making any preconditions, not asking for specific sanction relief, Kirill Dmitriev said

EU foreign policy chief says Rubio promised to ask EU opinion on Russia-Ukraine agreements

Responding to journalists' questions about the US tariffs, Kaja Kallas did not risk criticizing the US administration, only calling the decision to impose a 20% tariff on European goods "not a very positive development" that would only make NATO opponents happy

Yesterday, 12:30

Ukrainian forces deploy weapons, equipment at energy facilities for protection

Andrey Marochko also noted that Ukrainian forces continue to target the Russian energy system

Russian envoy says Trump determined to find pathway to real, lasting settlement in Ukraine

Prior to that some people were advocating solutions they knew were not possible, Kirill Dmitriev said

Musk joins Trump in call for the release of Le Pen

Earlier, the US leader called the verdict against Le Pen witch hunt and demanded her release

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, 09:46

Russia won't be appeased by ongoing Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure — diplomat

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States held a phone conversation on March 18 to discuss the situation in Ukraine, measures for avoiding escalation, and various international matters

Western Europe hates Trump, develops war strategy for Ukraine — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban believes that Western European leaders "despise Trump and won’t be disappointed if his efforts fail"

Yesterday, 19:04

Man in intensive care after bear attack in Moscow Region

Maxim Zabelin added that it was possible to find the man thanks to the coordinated actions of the Emergencies Ministry and foresters

IN BRIEF: What we know about last night’s Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian regions

Air defense forces on duty intercepted and eliminated 107 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over 10 Russian regions, according to the Defense Ministry

Kremlin calls for restraint on Iranian nuclear dossier

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that despite the fact that Russia is now engaged in restoring relations with the US, Iran remains its ally and partner

Yesterday, 21:57

Russian envoy invites US colleagues to visit Russia

This direct dialogue makes it possible not to distort information but to clearly and directly discuss all key issues, Kirill Dmitriev said

Yesterday, 19:12

Kiev actively recruiting teenagers for sabotage — top Russian investigator

"The teenagers that commit crimes against public security, the foundations of the constitutional order and state security are often motivated by ethnic hatred," Alexander Bastrykin said

Russian economy doing well amid sanctions, so Moscow doesn’t seek their removal — envoy

If you look at our GDP growth, it’s still 4% last year versus 1% for Europe, Kirill Dmitriev said

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"

Russian envoy dismisses concerns that Russia could invade Europe as ‘crazy idea’

There are lots of false and fake narratives circulating, Kirill Dmitriev said

Yesterday, 17:08

Europe requests deployment of long-range hypersonic weapons — NATO commander in Europe

Christopher Cavoli also described Washington's withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019 "a very important move" and called for capitalizing on it

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

Russian delegations displayed exceptional professionalism at talks in Riyadh — paper

According to The Washington Post, the Russian representatives have a vast negotiating experience, which spans decades, and are well aware of all aspects of the Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, 10:43

Europeans set sights on Odessa, Lvov, plotting intervention, says Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova reiterated that the French-UK initiative on deploying some "reassurance forces" to Ukraine was discussed in Paris on March 27 at yet another European summit of a so-called "coalition of the willing" formed a month ago in order to assemble some "peacekeeping" contingent to be deployed in Ukraine

Yesterday, 18:53

Russia capable of rapid military personnel expansion — Pentagon

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

Kiev’s drone assault on Russia shows lack of will to move toward truce — Russian envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, "this is the Kiev regime’s irrational reaction to continued dialogue between Russia and the US"

FSB foils terrorist plot against military cadets dormitory in Moscow Region

Further investigation revealed that the serviceman was in correspondence with a Ukrainian supervisor, which included discussions about the planned attack

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

Yesterday, 20:59

Dmitriev discusses US-Russia dialogue with key members of Trump administration

And one of the main topics is the restoration of US-Russia relations, the restoration of dialogue, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy said

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week

Battlegroup Dnepr units liberated the settlements of Shcherbaki and Lobkovoye in the Zaporozhye Region through active operations

Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 40 UAVs in past day

Russian air defense systems shot down three Ukrainian fixed-wing UAVs over the Alekseyevsky and Rakityansky districts, with no injuries or damage reported, Vyacheslav Gladkov said

Yesterday, 12:28

Europe must make contact with Putin — Stubb

The Finnish president opined that France or UK should be the one to speak to the Russian leader

Yesterday, 18:28

IAEA chief Grossi's Western bias makes him bad candidate for UN secretary general — expert

Andrey Koshkin also expressed doubt that Grossi would change his position if he became UN Secretary General

Yesterday, 23:21

Trump expresses confidence that Putin, Zelensky ready for deal on Ukraine

US President said a lot of progress had been made in discussing a settlement in Ukraine

Putin's external governance plan in Ukraine mirrors Trump's plan — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Trump's team must first grasp the dire situation in Ukraine

NATO needs 'road map' for US pivot away from Europe, says Finnish Defense Minister

According to Antti Hakkanen, "the conventional defense capabilities burden must be shared to taxpayers in Europe"

Yesterday, 18:32

WTO chief sees risk of tariff war escalation

"The WTO was established to serve precisely in moments like this — as a platform for dialogue, to prevent trade conflicts from escalating, and to support an open and predictable trading environment," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed

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

Yesterday, 21:35

US business ready to fill niches left by European companies in Russia — Dmitriev

Priority is the creation of joint ventures with Russian companies, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy said

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

Two days ago, 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

Ukraine may face devastating consequences due to Trump's tariffs — MP

Daniil Getmantsev noted that the 10-percent tariffs imposed by Washington on Ukrainian goods do not pose a serious threat at this point

IN BRIEF: What we know about terror plot against military cadets foiled by Russia’s FSB

A terrorist attack targeting the Russian Defense Ministry’s barracks outside Moscow, that was conspired by the Ukrainian special services, has been foiled

Post-Soviet security bloc discusses preparations for Combat Brotherhood 2025 drills

The meeting paid special attention to the issues of organizing command and control of the bloc’s troops (collective forces), setting up military commands for the components of the troops (forces) and ensuring their coordination, it added

US administration acts constructively, respectfully in dialogue with Russia — Dmitriev

Is positive momentum in relations. It will take some more meetings, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy said

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Russia, US prepare for further talks as EU boosts defense with 800 bln euro

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 3rd

Yesterday, 13:58

Zelensky believes ceasefire in Ukraine could be achieved in coming weeks, months

"There are various options; sometimes, everything comes together in an instant, especially when it comes to this aspect of ending the war - the hot phase, the complete cessation of fire," he noted

Yesterday, 14:51

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