Middle East conflict

1 Feb, 09:09

Two hostages released from Gaza arrive in Israel accompanied by soldiers — IDF

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that the Government of Israel warmly welcomes the two returnees from Hamas captivity and remains committed to the return of all hostages and missing persons

TEL AVIV, February 1. /TASS/. The freed hostages Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas were transported to Israel from the Gaza Strip by the Israeli military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press service reported.

"Some time ago, the returning civilian hostages Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas crossed the Israeli border accompanied by IDF forces and are currently on their way to the first reception point in southern Israel," the statement said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that the Government of Israel warmly welcomes the two returnees from Hamas captivity and remains committed to the return of all hostages and missing persons.

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Israel Gaza Strip Benjamin Netanyahu

Syria security forces say Assad supporters attack public buildings in Jebla

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

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

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

Russia to oppose deployment of European military in Ukraine — Kremlin

Moscow considers it unacceptable, Dmitry Peskov emphasized

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

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

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

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

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

EU torpedoing mere prerequisites for peace in Ukraine — Russian diplomat

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

Yesterday, 10:00

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, 09:40

Kremlin says Minsk best site for Ukrainian talks

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the main Russian ally is Belarus

Russia considers North Korea’s measures to ensure its security reasonable — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the rattling of weapons does not lead to anything good, especially "when there is definitely a peaceful way to resolve the issue"

Yesterday, 10:19

US Democrats prefer Ukraine to their home country — Elon Musk

Earlier, Trump addressed the US House of Representatives and Senate with a speech on the situation in the country and domestic and foreign policy priorities

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

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

Yesterday, 16:57

Putin congratulates Gunba on winning Abkhazian presidential election

The Russian leader had a meeting with Badra Gunba at the Kremlin

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

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

Macron whipping up Russian-threat rhetoric to drag France into conflict — politician

Florian Philippot condemned Macron’s plans to send troops to Ukraine, which he confirmed in his address, as a "crime against peace"

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

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

Yesterday, 20:25

Russian diplomat says Iran compliant with NPT, IAEA safeguards agreement

Russian envoy said he was puzzled by the IAEA director-general's concern that Iran is the only non-nuclear-armed state that enriches uranium up to 60%

Danish PM suggests country may come under protection by French nuclear defense forces

Earlier, Macron announced plans to initiate discussions with allies on the possibility of extending France's nuclear deterrent protection to European countries

Yesterday, 21:43

US reconsidering funding for Ukraine — White House spokesperson

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

India hardly sees itself as mediator in Ukrainian conflict — top diplomat

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized that Moscow and Kiev should hold direct talks

Most EU countries do not want to be part of coalition on Ukraine without US — newspaper

It is also reported that the EU is studying the possibility of using the tools of the Common Security and Defense Policy, which includes patrolling operations, missions to strengthen national security and the deployment of military forces under the European flag

Yesterday, 13:48

Russian police seize 180,000 rounds of ammunition in regions bordering Ukraine

The number of police squads operating outdoors or in public areas has been increased in the Kursk Region

Putin appoints Alexander Darchiev as ambassador to the United States

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

Macron's latest statements on Ukraine nervous — Lavrov

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

Yesterday, 16:09

Elysee Palace confirms preparations for US trip by French president, British PM, Zelensky

"The plan is that President Macron will once again travel to Washington, together with Zelensky and the British prime minister," French Government Spokesperson Sophie Primas said, without announcing any dates

Yesterday, 10:29

World close to nuclear war, urgent measures needed to prevent it — expert

"Given Japan’s abundant stores of plutonium and uranium, industrial capabilities, and scientific and technological proficiency, it could build a bomb in a matter of months," Peter Kuznick said

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, 11:22

Russian troops liberate Privolnoye community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 245 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Yesterday, 15:42

Russian MFA asks Moldova to explain delay in reception of Moscow envoy’s credentials

Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov arrived in the country in October 2024

Yesterday, 21:29

Moldova says delay in receiving Moscow envoy’s credentials no violation of 1961 convention

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry handed a note to Moldovan envoy to Moscow Lilian Darii, demanding an explanation for the situation

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

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

Russian artillery crews wipe out Ukrainian stronghold near Chasov Yar

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

Yesterday, 18:58

Kiev could run out of Patriot missiles in few weeks — TV

According to the broadcaster, the Kiev authorities currently have no alternative to Patriot missiles

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

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

Russia, US don’t discuss removal of sanctions — Russian diplomat

The sanctions backfired because Russia retaliated for them, Maria Zakharova stated

Russian troops liberate Andreyevka community in Donetsk region over past day

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

Macron's remarks disconnected from reality, Russian diplomat says

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

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

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

Yesterday, 11:12

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

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

Italian economy minister warns against thoughtless defense spending

"Europe’s defense requires an elaborate program of investments into the defense infrastructure rather than hasty measures with no logic," Giancarlo Giorgetti said

Macron aspires to lead European "war party" — Slutsky

Macron did not talk about the well-being of the French, but rather was obsessed with the "Russian threat," the Russian lawmaker noted

No one prevents Macron from calling Putin — Lavrov

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

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

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

Yesterday, 14:06

US halts sending military supplies to Ukraine via Poland — media

The supplies are redirected to a nearby base of the US 82nd Airborne Division

Yesterday, 16:18

Orban wants to ask Macron if it is wise for France to continue supporting Ukraine

The Hungarian PM emphasized Ukraine had failed to defeat Russia over the three years when the US was in the camp of Kiev’s Western supporters

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

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

Kremlin agrees that conflict in Ukraine is US proxy war with Russia

"We have discussed this several times, stating that this is fundamentally a conflict between Russia and the collective West. And the collective West, of course, primarily refers to the United States," Dmitry Peskov remarked

Yesterday, 14:59

Germany’s runs out of inventories to supply weapons to Ukraine — spokesman

The strengthening of Europe’s own defense capabilities, according to the official, is taking place in parallel with the provision of support to Ukraine

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

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

Starmer, Macron have long violated all bounds of decency on Ukrainian issue — Lavrov

"I understand that etiquette is a conditional matter, and in real diplomacy it's not even etiquette, but decency has long been violated by the West, so there's nothing surprising in this," the top Russian diplomat said

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, 15:08

Russian troops leveling out front near Dnepropetrovsk region after liberating Privolnoye

All the Ukrainian army’s positions remaining in that area are under dense gunfire by Russian troops, the defense source said

Thick smoke seen billowing from Taiwan’s Maanshan nuke plant — media

According to it, the cause of the smoke remains unclear

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

Local residents have been advised to evacuate during the operation

Kremlin criticizes French president’s nuclear rhetoric

"Moreover, France is already ready to use its nuclear weapons for security and so on," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

France continues to provide intelligence to Ukraine — top defense official

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

Ukraine in talks with US on new arms shipments, Kiev claims

"The majority of the ongoing aid programs were close to expiration regardless," Mikhail Podolyak clarified

Russia waiting for US to appoint negotiator for talks on Ukraine — diplomat

"A readjustment of Russian-US communication, which was literally destroyed by the previous US administration, is currently underway," Maria Zakharova noted

Black Sea fleet receives Katran boat, Skvorets drones

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

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

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

Two days ago, 13:00

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

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

14 Jun 2024, 14:13

Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

Yesterday, 11:33

Ukrainian army has no fortifications left in south Donetsk region — Russian fighter

Ukrainian troops have no time to fully equip their positions due to the rapid advance of Russian forces, he explained

Yesterday, 18:08

German government not planning to resume gas supplies from Russia — spokesperson

The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was not certified, Steffen Hebestreit said

Israel’s new chief of staff says 2025 will be year of war against Gaza, Iran — newspaper

Eyal Zamir officially took office on Wednesday

CSTO ready to offer various options of assistance if EU sends troops to Ukraine — official

According to CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov, it is not ruled out that the European Union’s population will not approve the governments’ decision to deploy troops to Ukraine

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

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

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

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

Kellogg disagrees that Kiev wants peace more than Moscow

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

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, 12:39

Putin says armed conflict in Ukraine forced on Russia

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

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

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

Yesterday, 15:40

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

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

Ukraine will not be able to replace Starlink promptly — expert

In case Elon Musk decides to bar Ukraine from accessing Sralink satellites, it will be a big problem for the Kiev regime, he added

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, 07:52

FACTBOX: Neutralization of militants in Russia's Dagestan

When traffic policemen attempted to apprehend the militants, they opened fire on the officers

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

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

Yesterday, 21:59

EU leaders to discuss conflict in Ukraine, European defense in light of US position

According to an EU official, both topics will be discussed in the context of the US new administration’s positions on the Ukraine conflict and European defense

EU seeks ways to bypass Hungary’s objections at Thursday’s summit on Ukraine — Bloomberg

According to the news agency, officials are already discussing options to maintain anti-Russian sanctions, which Hungary’s prime minister has repeatedly spoken against

Two days ago, 09:37

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

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

Two days ago, 04:37

Europe eggs Zelensky on for continued combat, Vance says

US Vice President said in an interview with Fox News

Yesterday, 20:30

France to host meeting of army chiefs to discuss troop deployment to Ukraine — president

Emmanuel Macron highlighted the need to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, saying that he could not "take Russia’s word for it"

Macron's speech shows that Paris is thinking more about war — Kremlin spokesman

"One can conclude that Paris’ thoughts are mostly about war, about continuing the war," Dmitry Peskov stated

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

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

Ukrainian legislator sharply rebukes Macron for 'nuclear umbrella' remarks

According to Maxim Buzhansky, to some in Ukraine, nowadays Macron looks like a "beacon of hope," however, this has nothing to do with the actual state of affairs

European leaders want 'forever war' — Musk

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

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

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

Yesterday, 10:03

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

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

Yesterday, 16:20

Russia promises to retaliate against Romania declaration of diplomats personae non gratae

"The Russian side considers this step unjustified and unfriendly and reserves the right to take retaliatory measures," Russia’s charge d'affaires Yelena Kopnina stated

Kremlin points to former French president’s acknowledgement of Minsk agreements’ failure

Dmitry Peskov also pointed out that Macron neglected to mention how then-French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius signed guarantees to incumbent Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014

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

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

Yesterday, 14:33

IN BRIEF: Migrants, corruption, cybercrime: what Putin told the Interior Ministry

The updated migration policy concept should be adopted this year, "as soon as possible," the Russian leader stated

Kremlin does not consider US friendly nation

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

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

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

Over 20 Ukrainian troops, combat vehicles eliminated in southern DPR — defense ministry

According to the ministry, soldiers of the Russian 40th marine brigade are advancing north of the settlement of Velikaya Novoselka, eliminating the enemy’s firing positions and control centers

Lavrov compares Macron to Hitler, Napoleon

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