2 Feb, 00:46

Struggle for mineral resources drives conflict in DRC — web portal

These resources estimated at $24 trillion, African Stream said

HARARE, February 2. /TASS/. The escalation of tensions in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reflects the struggle for the giant natural wealth of the country estimated at $24 trillion, the African Stream web portal said.

"A significant share of Congolese minerals are funneled into profitable global markets via neighboring Rwanda, which faces allegations of profiting from illicit mining operations within the Congo," the news portal noted.

Although the mineral portfolio of Rwanda is relatively modest as compared with DRC, the country "reported mining revenues exceeding $1.1 billion in 2023, marking a 43% year-on-year increase," the web portal said. Data are particularly impressive for such strategic minerals as cassiterite, tungsten, and tantalum (coltan), it added.

Middle East conflict

Hamas spokesman confirms fact of direct talks with the US

The spokesperson did not give any details about persons attending talks in Qatar from US side or the time when the consultations had started

BRICS' ability to drive economic growth trumps any external challenges — expert

Brazil took the helm as BRICS chair on January 1. In 2024, the bloc was headed by Russia

Yesterday, 14:55

British will have to return to Russia everything being "generously given away" — Volodin

According to the Speaker of the Russian State Duma, Russia now "has every reason to respond in a similar way and confiscate British property" located in our country

Two days ago, 14:43

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

South Korean president leaves detention — Yonhap

He was greeted by a large number of supporters at the main gate of the detention center, according to the report

11 Nov 2024, 14:27

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

IOC’s Bach urges international federations to review restrictions for Russian athletes

"The mission of the Olympic Movement is to unify," Thomas Bach said in an interview with AP

Yesterday, 20:59

Trump considers moving US contingent from Germany to Hungary

At the moment, 35,000 US troops are on their service in Germany

Yesterday, 15:45

UK removes Russian bank, Turkish company from its sanctions list

The reasons for removing the mentioned companies from the sanctions list are not specified

Yesterday, 14:08

Serbian army unit to participate in Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

Aleksandar Vucic also reaffirmed that he would come to Moscow for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War

Russia’s state arms exporter confirms contract to provide engines for Indian tanks

According to the Indian Defense Ministry, the T-72 tank is the mainstay of the tank fleet of the country’s army

Restrictions on Women's Labor in Russia and the world

Yesterday, 11:26

Russia may retaliate against EU militarization — Kremlin

European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen offered the association’s countries a rearmament plan for 800 billion euros and a 1.5% increase in military spending the day before

29 Mar 2024, 11:04

Construction of third stage of Eastern polygon preliminarily estimated at over $40 bln

The preliminary cost of the project has increased as the carrying capacity of the Eastern polygon has risen to 270 mln tons, Valentin Ivanov noted

All systems ready for SWIFT in Russia, but it is a dying technology — lawmaker

According to Anatoly Aksakov, new options for mutual settlements have been developed

Two days ago, 18:11

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

Yesterday, 16:04

China will not pit one side against the other in Ukraine conflict — expert

China is neither the instigator of the crisis nor a party to it, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China Wang Wen stressed

Two days ago, 10:00

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

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

Weekly inflation in Russia slowing down to 0.15% — statistics

Consumer prices ticked up by 0.1% from the start of March and by 2.09% year to date

Two German parties see amping up defense capabilities as key goal after coalition talks

"Germany remains on the side of Ukraine," The Social Democratic Party of Germany and the conservative bloc between the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union also said

Two days ago, 09:08

Russia develops Avatar drone for reconnaissance within 40 km range

Aviation students studying in Kazan have engineered and are producing the Avatar drone, it specified

US begins imposing import duties on goods from Canada, Mexico

The US blamed Mexican authorities for failing to properly organize the fight against drug cartels and stated that criminal organizations are expanding their illegal business in Canada in its statement

Yesterday, 20:57

UK unable to replace US in terms of intelligence for Ukraine — Russian envoy to London

Andrey Kelin agreed that "all the hostile statements coming from London lack any real foundation"

Yesterday, 10:23

Russia prefers diplomacy, but now must defend itself with special operation — Kremlin

"But in conditions when the same Ukraine refuses dialogue and, moreover, legally prohibits such dialogue for itself, we continue the special military operation to ensure our interests," Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Yesterday, 07:38

Israel conducts most devastating operation in West Bank in past 58 years — UNRWA

"This operation is the single-longest and most destructive since the second intifada, resulting in the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since the 1967 war," Philippe Lazzarini said

Russian military orbital vehicle successfully enters orbit

A stable communication link with the spacecraft was established and maintained, and its on-board systems are functioning properly, it added

Yesterday, 18:09

US finds it harder to engage with Ukraine than with Russia — Trump

The US leader noted that the Russian side "has all the cards"

Yesterday, 09:25

US company Maxar cuts off Ukraine's access to satellite images — news outlet

Militarny pointed out that Maxar is the main supplier of commercial satellite images for the Ukrainian armed forces

Yesterday, 10:49

Russian forces strike mercenary concentrations, airfields in western Ukraine — expert

In addition, airfields with concentrations of NATO-standard and Soviet-made warplanes were hit, according to Vitaly Kiselyov

Yesterday, 15:22

Poland to seek access to nuclear weapons — PM

According to the Polish prime minister, the political negotiations with France on the nuclear umbrella are "at a very advanced stage"

Yesterday, 16:25

US fears Kiev may sell software for Storm Shadow missiles — expert

British-made Storm Shadow missiles have reportedly become "useless" for the Ukrainian military, as their deployment requires U.S. intelligence

Two days ago, 10:32

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

Iran won’t negotiate with US until it stops imposing its interests — Khamenei

The comments were in response to a letter from US President Donald Trump, where he proposed talks on Iran’s nuclear program

Yesterday, 12:14

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted roughly 575 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported

One killed, two wounded as Syrian military patrol runs into ambush in Latakia — report

According to the report, the patrol ran into the ambush near the town of al-Haffa

Israel to send delegation to Doha for talks on Gaza — PM office

According to the Ynet web portal, representatives of Mossad, the Israel Security Agency, the Israel Defense Forces, Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Gal Hirsch and Adviser to the Prime Minister Ophir Falk will be in the delegation

Kremlin spokesman accuses France of lying, violating agreements

Dmitry Peskov made the statement in response to comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said Russia wasn’t honest about the Ukrainian crisis

10 Jul 2024, 09:30

NATO looking to divide up Western Ukraine among members — Russian diplomat

"No NATO ally would ever receive the copious amounts of [funds and weapons] that non-member Ukraine has," Maria Zakharova argued

Yesterday, 15:00

Route through Russia may become only way for rotation of IAEA experts at ZNPP

Mikhail Ulyanov recalled that the rotation of experts was under discussion throughout February, but each time the process was disrupted

Zelensky reiterates he won’t participate in talks with US in Saudi Arabia

He announced that Ukraine will be represented by a team including his chief of staff Andrey Yermak, deputy chief of staff Pavel Palisa, Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov

Harvest losses in South Russia to be minimal, expert believes

Agricultural crops will receive the moisture they need thanks to the precipitation that has fallen, and the risk of losing the harvest has been reduced, Vladimir Petrichenko said

Supplies of US-made precision weapons being cut off to be very painful for Kiev — DPR head

According to Denis Pushilin, it would be wrong to assume that the pause in the current military aid by the US to Kiev would immediately impact the fighting

Yesterday, 01:32

US froze military aid to Kiev because Zelensky took it for granted — intelligence chief

According to Tulsi Gabbard, US President Donald Trump thus sent a signal to Vladymyr Zelensky

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: EU boosts Kiev’s military power while London disrupts Ukraine peace talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 7th

Avtovaz sales slipped 4% in February — automaker

Meanwhile, Avtovaz sales gained 28.4% month on month

Yesterday, 12:14

World food prices almost 8.2% higher than a year ago — FAO

The FAO Cereal Price Index continues to rise, up 0.7% from January, but 1.1% lower than in February last year

Yesterday, 12:53

Trump anticipating things when calling for complete denuclearization — Russian diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov noted that some cuts or arms control measures were "quite understandable"

Yesterday, 17:24

Iran's mission to UN says did not receive Trump's letter for Khamenei

Earlier, the US President said in an interview that he would prefer to make a deal with Tehran and reiterated that Iran should not have nuclear weapons

Yesterday, 09:04

Hungary’s Orban questions EU’s capacity to provide more military aid to Ukraine

The Brussels summit showed that, further down the road, "the Europeans would like to sponsor the Ukrainian army"

Yesterday, 01:54

Russia ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but no temporary ceasefire — ambassador to UK

Andrey Kelin dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, previously put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron

Industrial facility, gas station suffer damage in Ukraine's southern Odessa Region

Earlier, air raid sirens went off in the Odessa Region

Yesterday, 15:02

Georgia asks Baltic states to stop involving others in confronting Russia — speaker

Shalva Papuashvili emphasized that these three post-Soviet countries want Georgia to be a tool and a means against Russia

Pope Francis needs non-invasive mechanical ventilation in nighttime

The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14 after being diagnosed with double pneumonia

Yesterday, 17:11

Russia offers India very favorable deal on Su-57 fighter jet — ambassador to New Delhi

Denis Alipov expressed confidence that Russia was "in a very good position," if India announced a tender

Yesterday, 12:30

France may deploy nuclear weapons in other European countries — envoy

"It definitely can't transfer it. This is prohibited by the Non-Proliferation Treaty. As for deploying — yes, it can," Mikhail Ulyanov said

NASA uses previously utilized Crew Dragon capsule for Crew-10 mission

"That new capsule had a little bit of problems in production," NASA manager for Commercial Crew Program Steve Stich said

Qatari PM highlights need to take both Moscow, Kiev’s concerns into account

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was confident that the Ukrainian crisis could not be resolved without direct talks between the parties

Two days ago, 10:17

Lavrov compares Macron to Hitler, Napoleon

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

Two days ago, 13:54

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

South Carolina carries out US’ first execution by firing squad in 15 years — agency

Brad Sigmon, 67, was sentenced to death for killing his ex-girlfriend’s parents with a baseball bat

Shooting in Toronto pub leaves 12 people injured — police

According to local police officer Paul McIntyre, three unidentified masked men burst into the Scarborough area pub on Friday, right on the day of its grand opening, and opened fire

Constitutional court allows Georgescu to run in Romania's presidential election

His candidacy must, however, also be approved by the Central Electoral Bureau

Yesterday, 19:23

Kabul blast plotter confesses to involvement in Crocus attack — US Justice Department

The terror attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in the city of Krasnogorsk just a stone’s throw from Moscow’s city limits was staged on the evening of March 22, 2024

Yesterday, 11:09

FACTBOX: What we know about clashes between security forces, Assad supporters in Syria

The domestic security authority imposed curfews in Latakia, Tartus, and Homs amid ongoing clashes that have become the fiercest since the change of power in Syria in December 2024

Yesterday, 18:46

Iran next major international issue, 'interesting days ahead' — Trump

The US leader emphasized that he couldn't let Iran have nuclear weapons

Russian cosmonauts aboard ISS congratulate women on International Women’s Day

Ivan Vagner pointed out that International Women’s Day was a great occasion to thank the women

Hamas spokesman confirms fact of direct talks with the US

The spokesperson did not give any details about persons attending talks in Qatar from US side or the time when the consultations had started

Yesterday, 23:43

Putin congratulates women on International Women’s Day

Putin wished success, health, well-being, and all the best to Russian women

Trump says he threatened BRICS with 150% tariffs for seeking alternative to dollar

According to the US president, he has not heard anything from BRICS after these threats

Ukraine to continue fighting at current pace without US aid only until summer — TV

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

Two days ago, 16:32

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, 13:26

Trump considers Ukraine pawn which can be sacrificed — media

Farah Stockmann also expressed the opinion that the current administration has come to realize two things: the liberal world order was sustained solely by American military might, and US residents no longer want to pay other people’s bills

23 Oct 2024, 08:49

Russian, Belarusian militaries launch preparations for Zapad 2025 drills

Drills of this scope help "inspect the combat readiness level of the regional combat group in practice and the ability of troops to jointly accomplish assigned objectives," Viktor Khrenin said

France condemns surge of violence in Syria, calls for all crimes to be investigated

The ministry reiterated its commitment to a transition of power in Syria that is peaceful and inclusive, not influenced by foreign meddling and guarantees the preservation of "ethnic and confessional pluralism"

Yesterday, 08:53

IN BRIEF: What we know about explosions and impact on infrastructure in Ukraine

An air alert was announced throughout the country at night

Two days ago, 13:22

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

Top US diplomat reaffirms Washington’s commitment to ending Ukraine conflict

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga on the phone

Ukrainian forces likely to pull out of Russia’s Kursk Region within two weeks — newspaper

The Kursk Region came under a massive attack from Ukraine on August 6, 2024

Firm stance to be taken against CPC attack planners

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium is an international institution providing for deliveries of Kazakh feedstock to international countries and countries that may experience adverse consequences from this terrorist act should take the principled position in respect of those provoking and arranging this terrorist act," Alexander Sternik added

Russia’s Battlegroup Center makes Ukraine lose up to 600 troops in past day

According to Alexander Savchuk, the battlegroup’s units continued to move deeper into enemy defenses

Europe does not know how to resolve Ukraine crisis, Trump says

The US president said that he had always had a good relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin

Zimbabwe doing everything possible to join BRICS, top diplomat says

The African country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira also noted that Zimbabwe could learn from Russia how to find local solutions to local challenges

Yesterday, 16:26

Assad’s armed supporters act on instructions from abroad — Syrian intelligence

The security forces said that the armed men involved in the clashes were linked to former special forces commander Suhayl al-Hasan

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

Yesterday, 13:16

Vucic confirms plan to attend Victory Parade in Moscow in 'great' phone call with Putin

Among other issues, the two leaders discussed political cooperation and the need for more intergovernmental work to restore bilateral trade and boost economic ties between their countries in what Vucic called a meaningful phone call

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

Two days ago, 11:45

Gas reserves in European UGS facilities down to around 37% first in three years

European UGS facilities are currently 37.32% full (11.44 percentage points lower than the average as of this date in the past five years)

Yesterday, 17:26

Fighting continues in Assads’ hometown of Qardaha continues — agency

According to the agency’s source, the government military has broken into the city held by the pro-Assad forces and are fighting against them within the city limits

Israeli army receives orders to urgently prepare for combat operations in Gaza — media

Talks have come to an impasse, according to the Kan radio station

Russia’s Battlegroup West causes Ukraine to lose over 250 troops, two Starlink terminals

The battlegroup’s air defense units shot down 12 fixed-wing drones

Central Banks of Russia, Jordan become main sellers of gold among regulators in January

The largest buyer of gold in January was the Central Bank of Uzbekistan

Russian stock market opens with rising indices

The yuan added 2.4 kopecks to 12.1185 rubles

Yesterday, 15:44

Russia’s Olympic team unlikely to appear under national flag at 2026 Olympics — minister

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be held in Italy, in the cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo

Two days ago, 12:51

EU cannot effectively replace Starlink satellites, expert believes

Earlier, a European Commission spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, told reporters that the bloc is working to develop an alternative to Starlink for Ukraine but that it will become operational by 2030 only

Sales of new passenger cars in Russia down 25% in February to 77,300 units — ministry

The Russian Industry and Trade Ministry noted the persisting strong influence of macroeconomic factors on the market dynamics, high rates of car loans in particular

Yesterday, 15:35

Russia alarmed by sharp aggravation in Syria — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova stressed that in such extreme circumstances, Russia urges "all influential Syrian leaders who can affect the situation on the ground to make every effort to end the bloodshed as soon as possible and prevent civilian casualties"

NASA to utilize different station after finishing use of ISS

"We'd like to have another station in place, so we can continue our work in low Earth orbit," Ken Bowersox, head of NASA’s manned spaceflight directorate, said

Demands by US for elections, peace settlement to end Zelensky’s career — senator

Natalya Nikonorova added that Vladimir Zelensky has started to recognize how desperate his situation is even before his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington

US Congress may censure lawmaker Green for trying to interfere with Trump's speech

Earlier, Green tried to interrupt Trump's speech, during which the Democrat shouted that the US leader has no mandate from the American people

Yesterday, 16:30

Europe should provide Ukraine with security guarantees — US Treasury Department

According to Scott Bessent, Washington does not intend to give such guarantees to Kiev

Yesterday, 13:40

France can deploy nuclear weapons in other European states — envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that there was no point for France in transfering nuclear weapons to other European countries