Middle East conflict

2 Feb, 12:01Updated at: 13:30

Qatari premier urges to begin negotiations on phase two of Gaza ceasefire

"We demand an immediate start of negotiations on phase two, as is envisaged by the deal," he told reporters after talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan

DOHA, February 2. /TASS/. Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called upon Israel and Palestine’s radical movement Hamas to begin negotiations on phase two of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as quickly as possible.

"We demand an immediate start of negotiations on phase two, as envisaged by the deal," he told reporters after talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. "Under the agreements, the talks on phase two are to begin tomorrow. We have already started to communicate with the sides in order to shape the agenda of the talks."

"So far, it is not clear where the delegations will arrive. <…> We expect to see some sort of [diplomatic] activity over the next few days. It is very important that we begin now, to strike the deal until the 42nd day of the ceasefire," Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said.

The Israeli PM’s office announced on February 1 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East Steven Witkoff have agreed to launch talks on the next stage of the Gaza deal in Washington on February 3. The statement said that Witkoff was also expected to meet with the Qatari premier and high-ranking Egyptian delegates within the next few days, and then will meet with Netanyahu again to discuss "measures to facilitate the negotiation process."

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on January 15 that Egypt, Qatar and the US brokered a deal between Israel and Hamas to hold a ceasefire in Gaza and release hostages from the enclave. During the 42-day first phase of the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.

On January 25, four female Israeli soldiers returned home from captivity in Gaza. Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, 114 of whom went to the West Bank, 16 returned to Gaza and the remaining 70 were deported to Egypt, where they were met by members of the Hamas leadership.

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Israel strikes military facilities in southern Syria

According to the television channel, several explosions were heard at the base after the air raid

11 Oct 2022, 12:58

Russian forces destroy two Ukrainian pontoon bridges in Krasny Liman area — top brass

It is reported that over 80 Ukrainian servicemen, eight combat armored vehicles and four pickup trucks were destroyed

Time for Europe to admit Ukrainian story lost — lawmaker from Slovakia

Lubos Blaha believes that Europe should follow US’ suit and suspend military assistance to Ukraine, but "they are not going to do this"

Time to send clear signal to London about futility of its efforts to ignite conflict — SVR

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, in the current environment, "The British authorities consider it an ‘urgent priority’ to undermine ‘peacekeeping’ efforts of the new US administration on the Ukrainian track

Two days ago, 04:05

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

Russian fashion industry increasingly active in Kazakhstan’s market

The Russian fashion industry has growing interest in the Kazakhstan’s market, Kirill Karlov said

Syrian Kurds join government-controlled security forces

It is reported that a relevant agreement was signed during al-Sharaa’s meeting with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 88.39 rubles for March 11

The Central Bank said last June that it would fix official dollar and euro rates against the ruble on the basis of reports of banks on results of transactions in the over-the-counter currency market

Lavrov, OSCE secretary-general to discuss security of journalists — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier said that the talks will take place in Moscow on March 11

Rubio calls on Ukraine to be ready to make ‘difficult’ concessions to get US aid back

Rubio said the White House first needs to understand what concessions Kiev will be willing to make before restarting military aid

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

No lasting peace without Russia, Ukraine participating in conflict settlement — Erdogan

Speaking about relations with the EU, Erdogan said that Turkey "wants to develop relations with the EU and pursue the goal of full membership on the basis of mutual respect and common interests"

Launch of light rocket Angara-1.2 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome due Saturday — portal

The Angara family comprises Russian launch vehicles ranging from light to heavy classes

Container shipments by Russian Railways up 3.2% in 2M 2025 — company

493,800 TEU were shipped in the domestic traffic (down 2%)

Northern Sea Route ports need upgrade to handle rare earth metals — expert

According to Alexander Vorotnikov, it is also necessary to increase building of ships, icebreakers, tugboats and tankers

Russian, US delegations may meet in Saudi Arabia this week — media

According to them, officials from the US administration will meet with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives in the coming days

EU should have clearer stance on Syrian killings, learn from it — Israeli foreign minister

Earlier, the Israeli TV channel i24 News reported that the Alawite community leaders sent a letter to the Israeli government asking it for military assistance due to the worsening situation in Syria

Russian stock indices in the green on Monday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index ticked up by 1.07% to 3,200.81 points

Date for Putin-Trump meeting not yet set — top US diplomat

Putin and Trump held a telephone conversation on February 12

Israel strikes military facilities in southern Syria

According to the television channel, several explosions were heard at the base after the air raid

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"

Serbian PM sees risk that protests could get out of hand on March 15

Vucic earlier said he expected the planned rally to descend into violence but warned that any attempts to seize government institutions by force will be harshly suppressed

No specific timeframe for liberation of Kursk Region — Kremlin spokesman

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

Russian army may launch large-scale operations in several directions — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselev, the command of the Ukrainian forces is attempting to transfer newly formed units from the Rovno, Volyn, and Kiev regions to the Sudzha area

30 Nov 2023, 12:22

LGBT movement tagged as extremist in Russia — Supreme Court

As the lawsuit pointed out, various extremism-related signs and manifestations, including incitement of social and religious discord, have been identified in the movement's activities in Russia

Kiev relocates two brigades to Krasnoarmeisk, south Donetsk area from Kursk — DPR head

The move to relocate two Ukrainian army brigades has been prompted by Kiev’s attempt "to patch up the holes that have emerged in those tactical directions," Denis Pushilin said

Kremlin has no doubt about upcoming liberation of Kursk Region — spokesman

A state of federal emergency is in effect in the region

Russian army wipes out almost 4,800 Ukrainian soldiers, mercenaries in LPR in past week

Russian forces also destroyed nine tanks, 77 field guns, 16 electronic warfare and counterbattery systems, 22 field ammo depots, and over 240 combat vehicles

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"

Yesterday, 08:36

Ukrainian army’s group surrenders near Cherkasskoye Porechnoye in Kursk Region

The Russian troops are in fierce action in several directions in the border area of the Kursk Region, the source noted

Any future talks on Ukraine should consider Kiev’s war crimes — diplomat

As an example, Rodion Miroshnik cited a recent Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council, dedicated to developments in the Donetsk People’s Republic settlement of Selidovo and in the border Kursk Region

Rosoboronexport rejects information on Russia’s loss of positions in global arms exports

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report, Russia’s share on the global market of arms exports fell from 21% to 7.8% over the past five years

Russian President appoints Deputy PM Novak to RDIF Supervisory Board

Information about the composition of the RDIF Supervisory Board is now closed because of Western sanctions introduced against it in 2022

Yesterday, 01:56

Germany concerned of F-35 jets deal with the US after decisions on Ukraine — Bild

Germany specifically fears that F-35A to be supplied to the German armed forces will be fitted with the Kill Switch system and the US will simply deactivate them if necessary

Producers’ beer prices rising due to escalating costs

The union is aware of the increase in selling prices by major brewers, Daniil Briman noted

Romania’s ban on Georgescu to run for president is dangerous precedent for Moldova

Earlier, Romania’s Central Electoral Bureau refused to register Georgescu as candidate for president at the May 4 election

Belavia, Nordwind clinch code sharing deal

"Passengers from various Russian regions will have access to comfortable flights to the capital of the Republic of Belarus with an optimal transfer in one of our hubs owing to evolved connecting models of carriage of Nordwind Airlines in Kazan and St. Petersburg," Nordwind Deputy CEO Anton Mattis said in his turn

FACTBOX: Ukrainian forces’ atrocities, enemy losses: situation in Russia's Kursk Region

Russian troops repelled three Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kursk Region over the past day

Press review: EU seeks Ukraine aid without Washington as Syria faces prolonged bloodshed

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 10th

Russian military liberates 32 settlements in Kursk Region

On March 8-9 alone, the decisive actions of the Battlegroup North resulted in the liberation of seven settlements, including Malaya Loknya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Kositsa, Lebedevka, Viktorovka, Nikolayevka and Staraya Sorochina

Export of agriculture products from Russia to African countries up 19% in 2024 to $7 bln

Egypt remains the largest purchaser of Russian agriculture products, the center added

20 Aug 2020, 05:44

Alexei Navalny is in serious condition

Earlier on Thursday, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger had made an emergency landing in Omsk

Russian army enters Ukraine's Dnepropetrovsk Region during battle for Krasnoarmeysk in DPR

Krasnoarmeysk serves as a crucial logistics hub for the Ukrainian forces in the DPR

Interim president confirms deaths of 200 troops in western Syria — news agency

The Syrian leader promised that all those involved in the crimes committed during the days of clashes against civilians, most of whom belong to the Alawite community, would be punished

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

Spain’s left-wing party to demand withdrawal from NATO

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said earlier that the government will seek to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP ahead of the planned time, i.e. in 2029

Alawites ask Israel for protection amid ongoing clashes in Syria — media

Referring to Israelis as "sons of David" and "respected brothers," the Alawites assured that they look forward to seeing them in Syria"

Yesterday, 16:06

Maritime Security Belt 2025 international drills kick off in Iran’s Chabahar

The drills involve warships of the Russian, Iranian, and Chinese Navies

London should be excluded from negotiations on Ukraine — politician

"Any negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine will be doomed to failure if Britain's intervention is not excluded," Sergey Mironov told TASS

Rebels seize Nyabiondo in eastern DR Congo — portal

Meanwhile, Wazalendo pro-governmental militias have dealt several defeats on the rebels in another part of North Kivu, the Lubero territory, where M23 units retreated from the city of Kasugo they had been controlling for about a week

Israeli troops remain in Philadelphi Corridor in breach of deal — Hamas

Hamas described Israel’s actions as a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire deal

Britain does not want peace in Ukraine because of its interest in Odessa seaports — expert

Vladimir Karasev further elaborated that the British authorities were also interested in Ukraine's resources, which have been handed over to them by Vladimir Zelensky under a 100-year agreement

Mark Carney to become Canada’s next prime minister

Mark Carney has been elected as the new leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party

Dependence on US creates challenges with F-16 — retired Ukrainian officer

Roman Svitan added that while there are difficulties in interacting with Washington, the F-16s will have to be used in an air defense mode in the rear without taking them into the combat zone

Work on overcoming problems in dialogue with US has not even begun — Lavrov

The foreign minister said that the new US administration is taking "steps in the right direction"

Collective West is falling apart, but warmongers still strong — Kremlin

"They remain silent on the necessity of negotiating peace terms as soon as possible," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Russian air regulator sees potential in widening cooperation with Iran

The participants determined the procedure of further action on flight safety improvement at their meeting

Attacks on ZNPP may be perceived as act of nuclear aggression — expert

Ulrike Reisner further asserted, "A direct prohibition on strikes against such technological facilities and their use in military operations is imperative"

Two days ago, 14:19

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

Russian troops approach border with Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk region — military expert

The enemy’s maneuver has enabled Russian troops to advance successfully in the Kursk frontline area, Yan Gagin added

UK premier tells Trump he hopes for intelligence sharing with Ukraine to resume

The head of the UK government also informed about latest phone conversations between UK and Ukrainian officials, assuring the US leader that the sides were committed to the idea of a lasting peace

All Kurdish facilities in northwestern Syria to go over to Damascus’ control

It is reported that these facilities include in particular all checkpoints in Kurdish territories, an airport, and oil and gas fields

Kazakhstan fully complies with OPEC+ output obligations in February

Kazakhstan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the OPEC+ agreement, the statement said

Syrian Kurds join government-controlled security forces

The agreement is to be implemented "by the end of this year."

Yuan drops below 12 rubles on Moscow Exchange

In the meantime, Russian stock indices are in the green

US never halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine — special envoy Witkoff

In his words, intelligence sharing will be among the topics raised during a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation in Jeddah on March 11

Yakutia allocates $460,000 to reimburse expenses to bring construction materials to Arctic

The subsidies will be payable to the Arctic Trade and Logistics Company

11 Oct 2024, 09:22

Russia’s top brass sets up Rubicon Center of Advanced Unmanned Technologies

A key area of the Center’s work is to train highly skilled instructors from among UAV specialists of military units and formations and operators of unmanned combat systems within single units and groups of units, the Defense Ministry specified

Russia strips two UK diplomats of accreditation based on signs of intelligence activity

Alkesh Odedra and Michael Skinner are required to leave Russia within two weeks

Putin advises Gazprombank to partner with Musk

"When he is finished reforming administrative agencies in the US, he will get back go back to science," the Russian leader noted

Everyone, including US, wants Ukraine to demonstrate its desire for peace — Kremlin

Earlier, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said he hoped to discuss a framework for a ceasefire and a peace deal with Ukraine

US, China discuss preparations for potential presidential talks in June — WSJ

Both leaders have signaled their readiness to meet since Trump won the US presidential election last November

Kiev not yet willing enough to reach peaceful settlement, Trump says

"Well, I think they would sign the minerals deal. But I want them to want peace," US leader noted

Three killed, nine wounded after Ukraine’s attack on shopping center in Kursk Region

There are four teenagers of 13 and 14 years of age among those wounded

Kiev troops in Kursk region are maneuvering to take new defense positions — commander

Alexander Syrsky ruled out the possibility of Ukrainian military units being encircled by Russian forces

Nord Stream destroyed by the US, truth is hidden — Slovakian lawmaker

One more route for Russian gas supplies to Europe was through Ukraine but Kiev halted in use on instructions of its sponsors, Lubos Blaha said

All 37 crew members rescued from two ships burning in North Sea — lawmaker

The incident happened at 9:48 a.m. off the northeastern coast of England

21 Feb 2022, 20:17

Russia ready to show what true de-communization means for Ukraine - Putin

Present-day Ukraine was wholly created by Communist Russia, Putin said

Fire at Russian coalmine prompts evacuation of 290 workers

A total of 30 mine rescue specialists and seven pieces of rescue equipment are working in the area

Stena Immaculate operator confirms fuel leak after allision off UK coast

According to videos aired live by British TV channels, both vessels are on fire. They are at a distance of some ten nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) off the coast

Yesterday, 12:01

Russian army liberates Konstantinopol in DPR — top brass

The Russian forces hit gas refining facilities that ensured the operation of Ukraine’s military enterprises

UN chief still not forwarded to Russia list of 'victims' of staged Bucha incident — envoy

Igor Sergeyev recalled that the so-called "evidence of Russian war crimes in Bucha" appeared a few days after the staging of the killing of civilians, when employees of the Ukrainian security services and the media arrived in Bucha

Ukrainian troops have direct orders to kill civilians on Russian territories — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik pointed to the fact that "the political leadership in Kiev consciously and deliberately uses forbidden forms and methods of warfare, uses a large arsenal of terrorist tools at the state level in order to achieve its criminal goals"

Zelensly sends letter to Trump with apologies over Oval Office blow-up — US diplomat

"Zelensky sent a letter to the president. He apologized for that whole incident that happened in the Oval Office," the US official said, without providing any details

Russian, Turkish diplomats discuss situation in Syria — foreign ministry

The two diplomats also discussed prospects for settling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in conformity with international law and the United Nations Charter, it said, adding that meeting was requested by the Turkish side

Starmer intends to hold virtual summit on Ukraine on March 15 — PM’s office

On March 2, a summit on aid to Ukraine was held in London, attended by representatives of 18 states and associations

Syria interested in maintaining deep strategic relations with Russia — leader

Ahmed al-Sharaa also said that relations between Russia and Syria were so close that after Bashar Assad's ouster, the country's new authorities decided to "make room for meetings and dialogue"

Direct US contacts with Hamas were 'one-off,' produced no result — Rubio

Press secretary of the Hamas Politburo Taher Al-Nunu said in an interview with Al Qahera Al Ekhbariya television on Sunday that Hamas representatives had held direct talks with US delegates in Doha before the end of the first phase of the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement

Yesterday, 06:21

Ukrainian army reinforcing troops in Seversk in attempt to retain hold of logistics center

On March 6, Marochko told TASS that Kiev had been reinforcing troops in Seversk since the beginning of the week, with Ukrainian soldiers occupying the basements of residential houses and administrative buildings, hiding hardware in warehouses

2 Nov 2023, 17:18

Poland at risk of direct confrontation with Russia, Belarus — Medvedev

According to the politician, "Poland's reckless actions, if rashly supported by its NATO allies, may have far-reaching dangerous consequences for the entire world"

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

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

Russia's coexistence with West to depend on its readiness to recognize mistakes — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat emphasized that the past three years have marked a "moment of truth"

9 Mar 2024, 18:55

French neo-Nazi ringleader liquidated near Avdeyevka — sources

There is confirmed evidence of his connections with French secret services

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

UK coaches Ukrainian officials ahead of talks with US — media

The Times noted that Powell advised Zelensky to conduct negotiations with the United States in a way that would create the impression that Russia was obstructing peace

Expectations of easing geopolitical tensions favorably influence financial market in Feb.

Meanwhile, amid a serious strengthening of national currency in February 2025 ruble-denominated instruments demonstrated the highest yield for the month (in rubles) whereas instruments pegged to the exchange rate showed a negative result, according to the Bank of Russia

Two days ago, 16:18

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

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

Houthis ready to resume attacks on Israeli ships from March 11, group’s leader warns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier suspended humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and ordered closure of all border checkpoints

Russia to open embassies in 7 African states in next 2 years — foreign minister

By 2026, it is expected to open embassies in Gambia, Liberia, Comoros Islands, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo and South Sudan

New Syrian government ready to retain Russian military bases in country

Russia operates two military facilities in Syria - the Tartus naval logistics base and the Khmeimim air base located 20 km southeast of Latakia

Russian forces pound Ukrainian army, equipment in over 150 areas in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 30 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy military vehicles in its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region over the past day, the ministry reported