Middle East conflict

21 Jan, 17:21

Death toll from Israel’s operation in Jenin in West Bank up to 8

Earlier reports put the number of those killed at four

CAIRO, January 21. /TASS/. At least eight Palestinians died after Israel’s operation in the city of Jenin in the West Bank, Palestine’s health ministry said, adding that more than 35 more people were wounded.

Earlier reports put the number of those killed at four.

The Israel Defense Forces said earlier that the Israeli military had launched a large-scale counter-terrorist operation, codenamed Iron Wall, in Jenin. The Times of Israel said, citing its sources, that the operation is expected to last for several days. The operation kicked off with drone strikes on infrastructure facilities in Jenin that are used by local armed groups, the source said.

Trump’s approval rating slides to 42%, latest poll shows

The poll surveyed more than 4,300 US adults on April 16-21

Yesterday, 17:57

Don't get too high or too low about talks with US, Russian diplomat says

According to the diplomat, this pragmatic approach is seen in other areas. For instance, when the Russian president says that those companies that have withdrawn from Russia would be able to return, but "on certain conditions"

Kiev’s proposal to extend Easter truce looks cynical to Russian expert

Political scientist Vladimir Karasev noted that drone, artillery and HIMARS attacks had been launched by Ukrainian forces against Russian positions almost on every front over the duration of the latest ceasefire

Yesterday, 13:53

Russia prioritizes trade, economic ties with Kazakhstan — PM

The governments of the two countries are working on clear execution of decisions taken by heads of Russia and Kazakhstan, Mikhail Mishustin added

Yesterday, 14:25

EU cannot support Ukraine in military conflict without US — Kneissl

According to the former Austrian foreign minister, "France is now very upset that Germany and Poland are buying weapons from the United States, and not from France"

Yesterday, 14:08

Ukraine seeks to fix vocational school draft deferment loophole with new bill

The bill also addresses draft-eligible men 25 years or older who left Ukraine to study abroad or who went to universities or colleges not immediately after finishing secondary school after February 24, 2022

Yesterday, 15:11

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 80.76 rubles for April 22

The official euro rate was increased by 1.45 rubles to 93.6714 rubles

Yesterday, 18:59

First Swedish AWACS aircraft arrives in Ukraine, test flight completed — UNIAN

Sweden promised to supply Kiev with two Saab 340 AEW&C (ACS-890) aircraft

Yesterday, 13:15

West incapable of competing in trade on legal grounds — Russian Foreign Ministry

Improvements in the state of global economic relations are not expected in the near future because the West has historically engaged in trade and sanction wars, Maria Zakharova noted

Yesterday, 18:57

Russia must repay moral debt to residents of Donbass, Novorossiya — Putin

The president noted that restoration of Donbass and Novorossiya is a complex but gradually advancing process

Yesterday, 10:59

Former Italian PM says Russia’s wish not to have enemies at its doorstep understandable

Giuseppe Conte also believes that the EU has never intended to promote dialogue on settling the conflict

21 Nov 2024, 20:12

IN BRIEF: What Putin said about Russia’s new missile, and Moscow’s response to the West

Moscow used its new Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile in response to the West’s decision to authorize strategic-depth strikes on Russia

Yesterday, 15:42

Putin explains strike on Sumy congress center by Ukrainian military award ceremony

The Russian president exemplified that in restaurants, the Ukrainian military personnel "hold some gatherings, meetings, conferences"

White House dismisses allegations against Pentagon chief as fake news

According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, US President Donald Trump said that 'he stands strongly behind the Secretary of Defense'

Two days ago, 13:20

Incomprehensible how EU openly willing to resume Nazi ideology — Lavrov

The European Union’s intention to establish a coalition on sending troops to Ukraine demonstrates a superiority intention, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Yesterday, 09:02

Russian troops strictly observed ceasefire during Easter truce — top brass

Despite the declared Easter truce, Ukrainian armed formations kept delivering artillery fire and strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles on the positions of Russian troops and civilian facilities in the border areas of the Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk Regions and the Republic of Crimea, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Yesterday, 09:20

Rearmament initiative could fragment Europe, ex-Italian PM warns

Giuseppe Conte believes that the European public is being misled by promises of more security and efforts to arm every country, even though the military approach pursued until recently has not succeeded

Yesterday, 14:19

New pope likely to be more conservative, says expert

On the morning of April 21, the Holy See's press service reported that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88

Yesterday, 12:46

High-ranking Russian Orthodox church delegation expected to attend Pope’s funeral — church

The Vatican said the pope died earlier on Monday

23 children die, 167 receive injuries in Ukraine’s attacks on Belgorod Region in 3.5 years

Region’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that the enemy shells 'cities and villages from all types of weapons, drops munitions from drones, causing suffering to civilians'

Yesterday, 10:46

Nazis whom Zelensky made welcome in power to sacrifice him whenever possible — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Zelensky had long ago become a pawn in both foreign and domestic politics

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Easter truce may shift Ukraine conflict as Iran, US report nuclear progress

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 21st

Ratification of comprehensive partnership agreement with Iran to be fast — expert

Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai International Discussion Club, said that 'there are no obstacles to its ratification'

Russia, US, China to divide spheres of influence under new world order — Argentine leader

According to Javier Milei, Europe is currently incapable of claiming global leadership

Yesterday, 18:19

Head of Administrative and Budget Office Vought may replace Musk in DOGE — Bloomberg

Vought is a long-time supporter of US President Donald Trump. He was named ABU director on January 2, 2019, during Trump’s first presidential term

Yesterday, 08:12

Pope Francis passes away

He has died at the age of 88

Yesterday, 16:41

Russian-made SJ-100 jet preparing for maiden flight — company executive

A prototype of the passenger jet with imported systems and domestically-produced PD-8 engines successfully completed its first test flight in March 2025

25 Mar 2022, 12:50

Pantsir systems demonstrated effectiveness in Ukraine — Rostec

The systems have been used for protection from missiles, planes and reconnaissance and attack drones

Nearly two million Palestinians in dire need of humanitarian assistance — government

The public health system is ruined, bakeries are not working

Yesterday, 18:15

Pope Francis to be buried late this week

The spokesman also recalled that the pontiff had expressed the wish to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with a public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica

Yesterday, 14:45

Kiev was 'prompted' to accept Russia's Easter ceasefire proposal — Putin

The Russian president noted that initially Ukraine issued a statement dismissing the proposal "as a game with people’s lives"

Yesterday, 13:47

Kia registers at least six trademarks in Russia — patent authority

The trademarks were registered under Classes 4, 42 and 35, which cover industrial oils and lubricants, motor vehicles and spare parts, automobile plant design and whole and retail trade services respectively

Yesterday, 09:39

IN BRIEF: What is known about end of Easter truce, Ukrainian violations

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that after the truce expired, Russian troops resumed their special military operation

Yesterday, 14:08

Pope Francis' dialogue with Russian leader always was trust-based — ex-Russian ambassador

According to Alexander Avdeyev, Vladimir Putin "met with the Pope three times and paid visits to the Vatican"

Yesterday, 06:55

Ukraine seeks to stage counterattack in Krasnoarmeysk direction — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that the heaviest fighting was currently taking place near the village of Novoye near Krasny Liman

Yesterday, 13:25

FACTBOX: Vatican enters sede vacante period, as pontiff passes

Sede Vacante is a period that spans from the death or resignation of the Pope to the election of his successor

Yesterday, 18:23

Trump may come to Vatican for Pope's funeral — newspaper

The funeral of the pontiff, who passed away on April 21 at 88, may take place in the Church of Our Lady of the Great (Santa Maria Maggiore)

Yesterday, 03:35

Pentagon chief shared details of strikes on Yemen in Signal private chat — NYT

According to the publication, on March 15, Hegseth posted the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornet fighters, which struck positions of Yemeni Houthis from the Ansar Allah rebel movement

Two days ago, 12:49

South Korea supplies cars worth $72 mln to Russia in March

Russia was the 12th-biggest trade partner of South Korean exporters of cars

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 17th

Yesterday, 16:02

Leaders of Russia, South Africa discuss trade-economic cooperation — Kremlin

The parties agreed to continue their communications

Russia’s oceanographic vessel Admiral Vladimirsky pays visit to Venezuela

The Admiral Vladimirsky left Kronshtadt on March 13

Russia’s envoy praises negotiations between Iran, US on Tehran's nuclear program

Araghchi and Witkoff's next meeting will take place on April 26, in the wake of technical-level consultations on April 23

Two days ago, 19:21

Ukraine used US-made HIMARS systems to violate Easter truce — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, this was quite expected from the Ukrainian side

Yesterday, 15:55

Kiev failed to honor even 30-hour truce — senior Russian senator

During the Easter days, the Kiev regime actually underwent a test for its ability to think and honor accords, Grigory Karasin added

Yesterday, 13:35

Trump expresses condolences over death of Pope Francis

Francis, who had headed the Roman Catholic Church since 2013 after the abdication of his predecessor Benedict XVI (1927-2022), died on April 21, aged 88

Yesterday, 11:56

Putin ratifies agreement on strategic partnership with Iran

The agreement sets out the legal framework for further development of cooperation between Moscow and Tehran for the long-term perspective

Yesterday, 14:02

Kiev foolishly squanders chances given it by Russia, int'l community — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said that the Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that Kiev is incompetent

Yesterday, 11:12

Russian troops continue special military operation after truce expires

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 20 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy artillery gun in its area of responsibility over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported

Yesterday, 14:54

Putin calls Pope's passing during Easter period 'special sign'

The Russian president stressed that "the Pope did much good not only for his flock, but for the world as a whole"

Yesterday, 17:11

Four die, 15 wounded after Israel’ strike on tent camp in Gaza — TV

On March 18, Israel resumed hostilities in the Gaza Strip and delivered a series of strikes on Hamas targets, thus cutting short the ceasefire that had been in place in the enclave since January 2025

Yesterday, 13:59

Sultan of Oman arrives in Moscow

The visit is timed to the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries

Rostec subsidiary bank signs agreement with Cuban banks on settlements in rubles

The document was signed on the sidelines of the 22nd meeting of the intergovernmental Russian-Cuban commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation in Havana

Putin instructs to consider buyback mechanism for departed brands by May 15

Companies that left the Russian market after February 22, 2022 will be subject to this measure

Yesterday, 07:09

Russian forces advance in South Donetsk area, DPR leader says

The Russian troops have advanced towards the settlements of Bogatyr, Otradnaya and Komar in the Velikaya Novosyolka area

Yesterday, 02:42

US proposes making territory around Zaporozhye nuke plant neutral — WSJ

The publication does not indicate which territories around the ZNPP Washington proposes to designate as neutral and in what format the United States could exercise control over these territories and the plant

9 Feb 2023, 14:43

Pink Floyd founder Waters confesses now he has more respect for Putin — Daily Telegraph

26 Nov 2024, 23:16

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

Yesterday, 15:23

Pope Francis dies on anniversary of Rome's birth

Although this holiday is not an official day off, the city’s authorities typically organize various events, ceremonies, costume parades and shows

Yesterday, 13:17

Zelensky loses London's support, hits out at Beijing — Medvedchuk

"If even London is tired of this political clown, that shows he is losing the last pillars of his support," the politician noted

Yesterday, 16:42

Putin says Ukrainian soldiers make restaurants military targets by holding parties there

This issue needs to be addressed, perhaps, through bilateral talks, according to the president

Two days ago, 17:31

No orders to extend Easter truce issued by Putin — Kremlin spokesman

The ceasefire is in force for 30 hours, from 6:00 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until 00:00 Moscow time on April 21

Yesterday, 17:41

Russian stock indices rising on Monday — market data

The MOEX Russia is expected to be within 2,825-2,950 points on Tuesday, BCS Investment World said

Global economy and trade currently going through serious trials — RSPP head

During the forum, experts from Eurasian countries discussed the transformation of the financial sector under the influence of digital technologies

Yesterday, 09:33

Ex-Ukrainian PM slams Kiev's idea to extend ceasefire as demagogy

Nikolay Azarov recalled that the Kiev regime, which came to power as a result of the 2014 coup, lacked commitment

Two days ago, 11:19

Kiev demonstrates inability to cease fire even for 30 hours — Russian envoy

Ukraine has repeatedly broken ceasefire agreements reached within the Minsk and Normandy format, Miroshnik added

Yesterday, 09:28

FACTBOX: Pope Francis' biography

The 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88

Yesterday, 09:10

Houthis claim strikes on two US aircraft carrier groups

"Missile forces and drone units launched two cruise missiles and two drones at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its associated ships in the northern part of the Red Sea," the movement said

Two days ago, 22:07

Trump says hopes for Russia-US deal to be made in coming week

"Both will then start to do big business with the United States of America," US leader said

PREVIEW: Putin to hold talks with visiting Omani Sultan Al Said

The Kremlin has announced that the two sides will focus on key areas of cooperation in the economic, financial, and cultural spheres as well as pressing international and regional issues.

Yesterday, 15:02

Combat operations restart in special military operation area after Easter truce — Putin

The Russian president announced a ceasefire on the eve of Easter at a meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov

16 Aug 2024, 16:57

Bridge across Seim River destroyed in Russia’s Kursk Region — official

According to the report, overland evacuation from a part of the Glushkovsky District is now cut off

Golden Dome missile defense shield won’t protect US from Russia or China, analyst says

Thomas Countryman noted that the system "could be overwhelmed by the much cheaper option of simply building a lot more missiles"

Yesterday, 16:37

Russia started strengthening marine potential before US actions — official

The situation will evolve "more likely the other way around," the presidential aide said when answering the question whether Russia endeavors to catch up with the US, considering extensive plans of the US administration

Yesterday, 08:06

Russia to discuss joint arms projects with Peru

Peru operates Russian-made airplanes, helicopters, armor, antitank complexes and air defense means

Yesterday, 15:57

Russian subcommittee supports extension of raw rice export ban until end of December 2025

The relevant draft decree will be put forward to the government for consideration in the near time, the Secretariat added

Yesterday, 09:53

Durov says Telegram never disclosed single byte of private messages in its 12-year history

The messenger's co-founder said that Telegram would only disclose the IP addresses and phone numbers of criminal suspects, if provided with a valid court order

Yesterday, 12:10

Putin pays tribute to Pope Francis, praises efforts to build interfaith dialogue

The president noted that Pope Francis was beloved globally as a faithful servant of Christian teachings, adding that he was a wise religious leader and statesman, a consistent defender of humanitarian values and justice

Yesterday, 15:51

Russia has no intention to get into naval arms race — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev drew attention to the "increased competition" between the United States and China in the naval sphere

Yesterday, 16:08

Kremlin aide Patrushev says Russia faces enhanced maritime threats from West

He warned that Western measures will be met with an "adequate and proportionate response" from Russia

Yesterday, 14:55

Trump not coming to Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

Earlier, Peskov said that more than 20 heads of state and government are expected at the parade in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory

Yesterday, 10:49

Houthis say their drones hit Israeli cities of Ashkelon, Eilat

According to Spokesman Yahya Saree, the rebels will continue to strike "deep inside occupied Palestine at an increasing rate"

Yesterday, 15:47

China is top marine economic power now — Russian presidential aide

The struggle for the World Ocean lasted for several centuries and a small quiet period was only after 1991, when the socialist block disintegrated, Nikolay Patrushev said

Yesterday, 11:18

Moscow welcomes US statements on Ukraine’s impossibility to join NATO — Kremlin

Bloomberg news agency reported earlier that Washington presented its allies in Paris with proposals for a Ukrainian settlement and they included a refusal to discuss Kiev’s NATO membership and the easing of sanctions against Russia

US national shot dead during plane hijacking attempt in Belize

The pilots managed to land the aircraft at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport

Yesterday, 11:38

China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb

When activated by conventional explosives, the magnesium hydride underwent rapid thermal decomposition, releasing hydrogen gas that ignited into a sustained inferno, the researchers said in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese-language Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance

Yesterday, 18:20

Russia will not abandon its other partners for sake of dialogue with US — diplomat

"The United States, we welcome you. But you are not the only one. And we will see what becomes of the dialogue with you," he added

Yesterday, 18:50

Pope Francis died of stroke that caused coma, cardiac arrest — statement

It also said that the pontiff suffered from type 2 diabetes

21 Nov 2022, 15:49

Defense contractor delivers new batch of Su-30SM2 fighter jets to Russian troops

The Irkutsk Aviation Plant of the United Aircraft Corporation also has manufactured and delivered new Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft to the Defense Ministry of Russia

UNRWA condemns collective punishment of Palestinians

According to the WAFA news agency, more than 90,000 displaced persons are accommodated in 115 UNRWA shelters across the Gaza Strip

Yesterday, 15:22

Russia ready to talk directly to Ukraine about civilian infrastructure strikes — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov underscored that "earlier the president repeatedly voiced his readiness for negotiations with the Ukrainian side"

Yesterday, 07:20

Israel unlikely to strike Iran without Trump’s endorsement — media

Meanwhile, the US president himself is currently focused on pursuing diplomatic solutions to address Iran's nuclear program

Yesterday, 05:59

EU Commission president urges big tech giants to comply with EU’s digital laws

According to Ursula von der Leyen, the EU is ready to enforce its full digital rulebook

Trump confirms his coming to Pope Francis’ funeral

Pope Francis will be buried some time between Friday and Sunday of this week, or on the fourth to sixth day after the pope’s death

Yesterday, 14:41

Late Pope Francis expressed positive attitude toward Russia, says Putin

The Russian leader noted that he had personal audiences with the pontiff on multiple occasions

Yesterday, 07:24

FSB detains Crimean resident for passing data on military facilities to SBU

The FSB Investigative Department for the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol has opened a criminal case against the detainee under Article 275.1 of the Russian Criminal Code

Yesterday, 18:13

IN BRIEF: Putin signs off on bills to protect Russians from foreign influence

Foreign agent status will also be given for supporting similar decisions by foreign governments

Press review: UN ready to join Black Sea deal while Russia lifts Taliban ban

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 18th

Yesterday, 11:14

Earth trembles at Russia’s tallest active volcano

Continued activity may affect low-flying aircraft

Yesterday, 12:02

No lasting peace possible in Ukraine without regime change, former PM says

Nikolay Azarov has repeatedly stated that Ukraine is being led by a Nazi regime, under which there is no freedom of speech, and the opposition and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church are being persecuted

Yesterday, 11:53

Pope Francis likely died from stroke, brain hemorrhage — newspaper

According to the report, the pontiff’s death was not due to respiratory failure