Middle East conflict

21 Jan, 14:31

Hamas ready for dialogue with Trump, invites his envoy to visit Gaza — senior official

Moussa Abu Marzouk invited an envoy from the Trump administration to visit the Gaza Strip

NEW YORK, January 21. /TASS/. Hamas wants to establish dialogue with US President Donald Trump’s administration and invites his envoy to visit the Gaza Strip, Moussa Abu Marzouk, a deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, said.

"We’re prepared for a dialogue with America and achieving understandings on everything," he told The New York Times.

The senior Hamas official invited an envoy from the Trump administration to visit the Gaza Strip. "He can come and see the people and try to understand their feelings and wishes so that the American position can be based on the interests of all the parties, and not only one party," he said and promised that Hamas will ensure this envoy’s security.

Marzouk highly praised the new US president’s role in brokering the ceasefire and hoatge release deal between Israel and Hamas. "If not for President Trump, his insistence on ending the war, and his dispatching of a decisive representative, the deal wouldn’t have happened," he noted.

Tensions flared up in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 240 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza to eradicate Hamas’ military and political structure and to release all the hostages. At least 47,000 Palestinians were killed and 111,000 more were wounded as a result of Israel’s operation from October 2023 to January 2025.

Throughout 2024, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States mediated ceasefire talks. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff took part in these talks.

On January 15, the mediators announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held in the enclave. During the first 42-day phase of the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement came into effect on January 19. On the same day, three Israeli women and Israel, in turn, released 90 Palestinian women and teenagers from its prisons early on January 20.

Israeli Ambassador to Russia Simona Halperin told TASS earlier that Russian national Alexander Trufanov, who is also an Israeli citizen, is among the 33 hostages to be released by Hamas.

UK, Norway to provide Ukraine with military assistance worth $580 mln

The funds will be directed towards the supply of "hundreds of thousands" of drones to Kiev, as well as the repair and maintenance of vehicles and equipment

New York City mayor confirms six fatalities in helicopter crash

According to Eric Adams, all six individuals were recovered from the water, but none of them survived

Russian troops liberate Katerinovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day

Yesterday, 14:32

West is trying to pave way for its agents of influence — Russian legislator

Vasily Piskarev pointed out that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recently adopted yet another anti-Russian resolution titled Foreign Interference as a Threat to Democratic Security in Europe

Yesterday, 07:46

Some EU countries strongly oppose use of Russian assets for Ukraine’s needs — top diplomat

Kaja Kallas declined to name those countries

Yesterday, 19:52

Yura Borisov signs with one of biggest US talent agencies — report

The agency describes its clients as people whose voices and vision define culture and shape the world

Yesterday, 16:45

IN BRIEF: What to know about outcome of Russia-US talks in Istanbul

The second round of consultations on normalizing the operation of their embassies lasted five and a half hours

Yesterday, 16:19

Restoration of air service with the US to facilitate business ties — Russian ambassador

Moscow and Washington will work on the initiatives presented in Istanbul in time for a new round of consultations, Alexander Darchiev added

Plane in Washington Airport clips another aircraft with members of Congress on board

According to the airline, the first aircraft was carrying four crew members and 76 passengers, while the second had four crew members and 67 passengers on board

Yesterday, 17:06

WHO's claims of looming pandemic overblown, says Russian expert

According to Vladimir Nikiforov, there is no evidence supporting the idea that a pandemic will break out in the near future

Yesterday, 18:07

Russian, US delegations state need to immediately eliminate 'irritants' — envoy

"The Russian side emphasized the importance of the prompt return of Moscow's diplomatic property seized by the US authorities," Alexander Darchiev said

Yesterday, 15:26

Breakthrough Russian allergy vaccine could hit market by 2026 — FMBA

According to the statement, all pre-clinical trials for the vaccine are nearing completion, with its safety and effectiveness already confirmed, and the manufacturing process laid down

Yesterday, 08:19

Kursk legislators unanimously accept city mayor’s resignation

The legislators appointed Deputy Mayor Sergey Kotlyarov to serve as the city’s acting head

Yesterday, 16:23

Aeroflot denies Moscow-Denpasar airliner’s return to Sheremetyevo due to faulty engine

"Under flight safety rules, the commander of that flight decided to return to the airport of departure after one of the plane’s systems activated a sensor unrelated to the engines," the statement reads

Two days ago, 06:39

Russian forces fighting to liberate last two communities in Kursk Region — defense source

Fierce battles continue in the village of Gornal and the farmstead Oleshnya

Yesterday, 14:35

Western countries discuss sending troops to Ukraine after ceasefire

Although the US is absent from the meeting, NATO structures are actively involved in the discussion, especially on how to improve Kiev's capabilities on the battlefield, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pointed out

Yesterday, 15:41

Russia stresses priority of diplomatic property return in US — ambassador

Alexander Darchiev underlined that "the sides showed their mutual readiness to work on a corresponding roadmap"

Yesterday, 18:35

US would like to strike trade deal with China — Trump

The US leader said that he has "great respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping

Yesterday, 13:33

Russia adapting its logistics system to achieve economic independence — official

In the current environment, international transport corridors play an increasingly important role in maintaining stable export-import and transit cargo flows across the Russian territory, Nikolay Patrushev pointed out

Yesterday, 17:02

Out of US prison, Russia’s Petrov says he misses home in a video from security agency

The video also shows Arthur Petrov getting off the plane by airstairs after landing in Russia

Yesterday, 17:13

Airliner with 41 people on board skids off runway in Arctic Russia, no casualties

The aircraft was scheduled to fly to Arkhangelsk

Early injection, large LNG supplies may help Europe avoid depleting gas reserves in winter

It is crucial to begin filling the storage facilities as early as possible and any unscheduled technical shutdowns could potentially put additional pressure on the injection season, ENTSOG said

Yesterday, 18:14

Russian stock market indices rising on Thursday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index added 4.29% to 2,764.28 points, while the RTS Index edged up by 5.61% to 1,024.29 points

Two days ago, 14:19

Beijing won’t make concessions in trade war with Trump, US needs China — expert

Zhang Weiwei also claimed that in the first round of the trade war, 90% of the US tariffs against China were paid by American companies and consumers

Yesterday, 13:34

Zhuravka liberation brings Russian troops closer to Ukrainian army’s hub in Sumy Region

Yunakovka is a logistics hub for the Ukrainian army to supply its combat group in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region

Chinese company acquires strategic chemical plant in France supplying Defense Ministry

Wanhua Chemical Group offered to invest €10 mln into the plant’s production but also proposed to reduce the workforce from the current 300 employees to just 50-60

Yesterday, 15:58

Louvre now proud holder of icon once owned by Nicholas II

The Louvre noted that "this icon will be the centerpiece of the museum's new department, given its historical significance and the fact that it is the work of one of the most renowned jewelers of the House of Faberge"

20 Feb 2023, 14:30

Merkel confirms that Minsk agreements were meant to give Ukraine 'more time'

The pranksters telephoned the ex-chancellor on behalf Ukraine’s former Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko

Yesterday, 09:04

Russia dismisses innuendos about nonexistent threat by Bosnia’s top diplomat — diplomat

Maria Zakharova criticized Elmedin Konakovic’s statement as "clumsy to say the least"

Yesterday, 13:53

India, Russia agree on six projects for deepening investment cooperation

"The meeting of the working group was successful, targeting strengthening of economic ties between India and Russia through determining and promoting joint projects in sectors of mutual interest," India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry said

Two days ago, 13:24

Russian forces strike Ukrainian tactical missile enterprise over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 435 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four US-made armored vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

Yesterday, 11:01

EU cracks down on dissent, defies democracy it once lectured Russia on — Kremlin

"They are departing from the very standards of democracy they have long proclaimed and sought to impart to other nations, including us," Dmitry Peskov said

Russian soldiers in Guyevo were confronted by Ukrainian elite units

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that units from the battle group North had liberated Guyevo

Yesterday, 12:52

Russian-US consultations conclude in Istanbul after almost six hours

The meeting ended without any press statements

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

Yesterday, 16:05

US oil supplies to China set to decline to almost zero due to Trump tariffs — Bloomberg

Crude supplies from the US "are by no means vital to China" - in the early months of this year added up to roughly 1% of the Asian nation’s total imports, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa Ltd, the agency reported

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, 13:15

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfield, weapons depots over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

Yesterday, 16:43

Russian foreign trade balance up 2.72% in 2M 2025 — Customs

Exports to European countries decreased to $9.1 bln, down 9.2%, while imports lost 9.3% to $9.7 bln

Yesterday, 16:33

Azerbaijan’s president says Western organizations plotted coups in his county

Ilham Aliyev noted that in 2005, there was an attempt to organize an "orange revolution" in Azerbaijan under the auspices of the US Department of State

Head of Siemens division and his family died in Hudson River helicopter crash — TV

In addition to the Agustin Escobar family, the 36-year-old pilot was also killed

Yesterday, 20:55

US may banish Chinese companies from American stock exchanges — Fox Business journalist

Shares of more than 300 Chinese companies are traded on the American stock exchanges, including Alibaba, Sinopec, JD.com and NetEase

Yesterday, 13:35

Urals oil price drops below $50 per barrel first since June 2023

The price of Urals oil was last below $50 per barrel on June 12, 2023

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

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

Zelensky doing damage control after losing big in Jeddah talks — expert

Mikhail Pavliv explained that in Jeddah, the Americans got everything they wanted in the military aspect from Ukraine very quickly

Yesterday, 18:03

Russia condemns attempts to destabilize Syria amid its transformation — Russia’s UN envoy

According to Vasily Nebenzya, Israel's occupation of a buffer zone and southern Syrian territories and numerous military strikes constitute a "gross violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which should in no way be questioned, regardless of who is in power in Damascus"

Yesterday, 08:10

Russian troops completing mop-up operation in outskirts of Guyevo in Kursk area

"Our fighters are completing mopping up forest belts in the outskirts of Guyevo where hundreds of bodies of destroyed Ukrainian soldiers and military hardware can be seen," the source said

Yesterday, 17:10

US-China tensions very serious, even explosive — Lukashenko

"The Chinese somehow manage to smooth it out and keep this tension under control," the Belarusian president noted

Yesterday, 13:19

Foreigners to be allowed staying in Russia on electronic visa twice longer — PM

The permitted stay will be 30 days instead of 16

Yesterday, 20:24

Helicopter crashes into river in New York — police

At least six people have died, the Associated Press news agency reported

Yesterday, 18:01

Apple ships 1.5 mln iPhones out of India to avoid US tariffs — Reuters

According to sources, Apple has chartered six cargo planes to ship 600 tons of gadgets

Yesterday, 20:32

Belarusian president warns trade war could escalate into military confrontation

He pointed to the Houthi situation as an example of how conflicts can spiral

Yesterday, 17:57

Lavrov's visit to Astana aimed at preparing most important events — Foreign Ministry

On April 10, during a working visit to Kazakhstan, the Russian foreign minister held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu

Yesterday, 14:43

Russia's position on Balkans may help prevent negative developments in region — president

Milorad Dodik noted that in March, some European representatives began discussing a potential change in the role of EUFOR Althea, the EU military mission operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Yesterday, 16:38

South Korea imposes sanctions against Russian company over alleged North Korea trade

The sanctions apply to an unregistered vessel called the Sunrise 1, operated by the Hong Kong-based company Xiangrui Shipping, as well as two Chinese citizens who work as managers at the shipping company

Yesterday, 13:07

Russia to harshly respond to Japan's participation in supplying Kiev with weapons — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that any steps by Japan to directly or indirectly participate in supplying Ukraine with arms and military equipment would be regarded as unequivocally hostile

Yesterday, 19:37

Belarusian president calls US-China tensions 'explosive'

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus and Russia, as part of the Union State, need to keep their eyes on other conflicts as well

Two days ago, 14:41

MFA shocked by Ukraine offering ‘safaris’ to foreign nationals

Maria Zakharova stressed that "the Kiev regime has long turned war into a business"

UK considers deploying troops to Ukraine for five years

According to the plan under discussion in London and Paris, Western forces may be sent to Ukraine following a settlement of the conflict, acting as a "deterrent force" purportedly to prevent the resumption of hostilities

Israel, Turkey fail to reach agreement on Syria during negotiations in Azerbaijan

The talks are expected to resume following the conclusion of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which this year runs from April 12 to 19

Yesterday, 16:00

Circulation of cash in Russia gains 5.1% in 2024 — Central Bank

The largest movement of cash involved individuals depositing and withdrawing money at physical bank locations, the regulator said

Delegates from 140 countries to discuss promoting dialogue at Antalya diplomatic forum

On April 12, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the forum

Yesterday, 23:03

Europe is in crisis and losing itself — Republika Srpska President

Milorad Dodik noted that "representatives of the current Brussels mainstream no longer feel safe, and the Europe they were entrusted to govern has been lost"

Two days ago, 20:15

Trump says ready for fair trade deals with China, other countries

"We have $36 trillion of debt for a reason. We don't have a debt for fun. And people took advantage of our country, and they ripped us off for decades," the US leader emphasized

Yesterday, 15:33

Trump's trade wars will strengthen 'economic symbiosis' of Russia and China — envoy

Boris Titov noted that Donald Trump has put the trade war with the entire world on hold, focusing on the confrontation with China

Yesterday, 18:00

US committed to settling differences with Iran diplomatically — State Department

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce added that the current American administration is determined to solve the problem "through conversations, summits and discussions, so that that is really the hallmark of this administration"

Yesterday, 12:14

Russian army hits two Ukrainian repair sites with Geran UAVs — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, one of the strikes hit a large industrial facility used by the Ukrainian army to repair military equipment

At least 29 Palestinians killed due to Israeli strikes on Gaza over past 24 hours

Rescue operations are ongoing to locate those reported missing following an Israeli strike on a residential area in the Al-Shujaiya neighborhood in the eastern part of Gaza City on Wednesday, which left 35 people dead

Two days ago, 09:33

France, UK preparing military intervention in Odessa — Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the proposed "coalition of the willing" as nothing more than "a meme"

Yesterday, 16:13

US duties against China increased to 145% — CNBC

According to the source, 125% import duties in respect of Chinese products announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday do not account the 20% tariff set earlier by the US leader for allegedly insufficient efforts of Canadian, Mexican and Chinese governments in combating fentanyl spread

Yesterday, 19:41

US hopes Witkoff's meeting with Iranian representative to lead to peace — top diplomat

According to him, it will be an "important meeting"

Yesterday, 23:05

Gold futures climb above $3,200 per troy ounce, first time since April 2

By 1:48 a.m. Moscow time, gold had extended its gains, trading at $3,212 per ounce, a 2.24% increase

Yesterday, 10:39

Crime in the making: Diplomat slams EU diplomacy chief’s words about frozen Russian assets

"I think this gives us a unique opportunity to analyze a crime before it was committed, not just after," Maria Zakharova said

Yesterday, 11:56

Russian troops liberate over 4 sq km near Zaporozhye Region's Kamenskoye — politician

Vladimir Rogov said that the Russian forces are holding the initiative, and the advance continues

Yesterday, 16:22

Russia can take part in construction of Sri Lanka’s energy facilities — Energy Ministry

"We consider Sri Lanka as a promising partner in the energy sphere; our talks were meaningful," Russian Deputy Minister Roman Marshavin said

Yesterday, 20:43

No serious changes in US-Russia relations without ceasefire in Ukraine — State Department

Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that interaction is necessary to achieve any result

Yesterday, 20:08

US seeks release of Hubbard, other Americans detained in Russia — State Department

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that the US swapped Russian Artur Petrov for Russian-American Ksenia Karelina

Yesterday, 17:22

Western countries know nothing about democracy — Lukashenko

"No matter how much the Americans, the French, and others try to pretend otherwise, they’re not just spreading propaganda – it goes beyond that," the Belarusian leader stressed

Yesterday, 16:24

Uzbekistan to become seventh participant of Eurasian Development Bank

According to Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the Management Board of the EDB, the bank has already begun working on investment projects in the republic, the first of which it intends to finance this year

Yesterday, 15:59

Bank of Russia sets official dollar rate at 85.02 rubles for April 11

The official euro rate was lowered by 49 kopecks to 94.6036 rubles

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: US and China launch trade war while Russia and the US hold new talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 10th

Yesterday, 07:48

Russian Pacific Fleet warships wrap up visit to India

The Russian Navy was represented in the drills by the Pacific Fleet’s corvettes Rezky and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and medium sea tanker Pechenga

Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia on April 14-18

Chinese leader will visit Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh at the invitation of Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni

Yesterday, 12:47

Bodies of 9 civilians found in Russia’s Kursk Region after Ukrainian shelling — agency

It has been established that no later than March, Ukrainian servicemen deliberately shelled residential houses in the village of Makhnovka

Yesterday, 20:56

Expansion of cooperation between Russia, US not discussed in Istanbul — State Department

According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, it is a technical meeting

Yesterday, 10:49

Ukrainian troops trapped between Dzerzhinsk and Dimitrov in Donetsk region, says DPR

Russian forces have made considerable gains in the area of Sukhaya Balka, including the settlements of Aleksandropol, Panteleymonovka and Valentinovka where Ukrainian troops are under intense pressure

Two days ago, 19:21

Russian MFA mocks Macron's shifting rhetoric, blames it on 'atmospheric pressure'

Maria Zakharova went on to say that before French President "started opening his nuclear umbrella over everyone, he was saying that he absolutely needed a place at the negotiating table"

Yesterday, 04:46

Residents evacuated from frontline village in DPR

It took several hours for soldiers of Russia’s Battlegroup East to rescue these people

Yesterday, 18:05

Treaty between Minsk, Moscow guarantees absolute security to Belarus — Lukashenko

According to the Belarusian president, "the Poles, Baltic countries, and so on, had their own plans but now they are quiet"

Yesterday, 15:56

Pentagon sees threat to US in Russia, China, DPRK strengthening cooperation

"Together, these countries’ growing ties create a complex, interconnected challenge to US national security and regional stability," US Indo-Pacific Command chief Samuel Paparo noted

Yesterday, 10:58

IN BRIEF: What we know about prisoner swap between Russia, United States

TASS has compiled the key details about the exchange

Yesterday, 17:35

Ansar Allah leader says US could not weaken Houthi military capabilities

"The Americans could neither ensure secure navigation for the Israeli adversary, nor halt projectile and drone attacks against it," the Houthi leader stressed

Judge orders release of 11 Russians detained in Tunisia — lawyer

According to attorney Olfa Hajri, they have been officially released

Yesterday, 19:09

US hopes to reach agreement with Russia, Ukraine soon — Trump

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on April 7 that President Vladimir Putin supports a ceasefire in Ukraine, but before that some issues have to be resolved, which for now are hanging in the air

Yesterday, 20:12

US State Department confirms ambassador to Ukraine to resign

Bridget Brink was ambassador at the embassy in Ukraine for three years

Lavrov to discuss preparations for 80th Victory Day anniversary with CIS counterparts

The agenda will also include issues related to cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as the strengthening of border security

Yesterday, 19:49

US may extend its pause in lifting import tariffs — Trump

President Donald Trump said that we'll have to see what happens at that time, answering the question whether the three-month pause announced on April 9 may be extended at the end of that period

Yesterday, 18:11

Russian-US consultations make headway in normalizing work of embassies — ambassador

Alexander Darchiev confirmed that the delegations of Russia and the United States gave each other guarantees on the maintenance of diplomatic missions in both countries

Yesterday, 10:57

Kremlin dismisses Zelensky’s accusations of Russia dragging China into Ukraine conflict

"China has always maintained a very balanced position," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 17:01

No European culture without Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky — Serbian director Kusturica

Emir Kusturica pointed to the fact that Russia is part of Eurasia, a powerful and resource-rich continent

Yesterday, 14:57

Paris aware of Ukraine’s military industry collapse, calls for more aid to Kiev — expert

Alexander Stepanov confirmed that Russia regularly carried out precision strikes against these enterprises, including with Iskander missiles and Geran drones, in an effort to hurt Ukraine’s arms production