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Conflict in Syria

Pentagon drafts plans to pull all US troops from Syria — report

US President Donald Trump previously told reporters that Washington should not deal with the problems of Syria

NEW YORK, February 5. /TASS/. The US Department of Defense is developing plans to withdraw all US troops from Syria, NBC television reported, citing two American defense officials.

President Donald Trump and officials close to him recently expressed interest in pulling US troops out of Syria, the officials said. That prompted the Pentagon to begin drawing up plans for a full withdrawal in 30, 60 or 90 days.

Trump previously told reporters that Washington should not deal with the problems of Syria. He said the US will consider withdrawing US troops from the Middle Eastern country.

The Israeli broadcaster Kan reported that senior US officials made it clear to Israel that Trump is interested in pulling US troops out of Syria. The Pentagon said in December 2024 that there are about 2,000 US military personnel in Syria.

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United States Syrian conflict

Middle East conflict

Moscow regrets resumption of Israel’s military operation in Gaza Strip — MFA

The ministry added that Moscow "calls on the Israeli and Palestinian sides to return to the negotiation process aimed at developing a mutually acceptable compromise solution to the issue of hostages, which would make it possible to ensure a steady improvement in the situation in the Gaza Strip and begin a full-fledged reconstruction of the Palestinian enclave"

Almost whole Kursk Region has been liberated — Russian commander

Russia’s military advance gave strong results, with almost all settlements taken at once, and the enemy’s personnel destroyed, Akhmat Special Forces Commander Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov added

Nuclear submarine supplies to Australia are challenge to IAEA safeguards system — diplomat

According to Mikhail Ulyanov, the problem is that "Australia, a non-nuclear state under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, will receive around two, or even more, tons of highly-enriched uranium"

Security central to Russian-Tajik agenda — President Rahmon

The Tajik leader expressed his willingness to discuss with Vladimir Putin the state and prospects of bilateral relations, including international and regional issues

Russia hits Ukrainian contingent in Sumy Region with Iskander missiles

The the settlement of Losevka is located 65 km northwest of the town of Shostka

Kremlin confirms Putin-Trump conversation being prepared for Tuesday

The last telephone conversation between the Russian president and the US leader took place on February 12

Russia almost completely covers Tajikistan’s needs for hydrocarbons — Putin

Russia is also helping Tajikistan with development of the hydropower sector, the head of state said

Ukrainian army carries out intense attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region — governor

Vyacheslav Gladkov pointed out that he would continue to keep people updated on developments in the region

Over 30 countries to join 'coalition of willing' to support Ukraine — spokesman

"The contribution capabilities will vary, but this will be a significant force, with a significant number of countries providing troops and a larger group contributing in other ways," the statement reads

Trump says talks on settling crisis in Ukraine entering critical stage

According to US president, 'everybody wants it'

Russia, Tajikistan almost completely abandon foreign currencies in settlements — Putin

"Russian and Tajik citizens have the opportunity to make cross-border money transfers through the fast payment system," the Russian president noted

Trump rejects reports that Kiev’s defeat in Kursk caused by suspension of US aid

US president also said that he had asked Russia not to take an active military action against Ukrainian troops surrounded in the Kursk Region

France temporarily lifts court-mandated supervision over Telegram founder Durov — source

The source said the decision was made "by the investigating judge"

Romania does not need France's nuclear umbrella — adviser to acting president

Cristian Diaconescu opined that the issue would be revisited by Romania's new president after the May elections

Dutch politician warns of risk of debt crisis in EU due to higher military spending — FT

In this context, Omtzigt spoke out against uncontrolled borrowing, although he supported an increase in defense spending in general

Ukrainian intel behind Saakashvili's covert arrival in Georgia — parliament speaker

"A few days before his secret entry into Georgia, Saakashvili was in Brussels and met with representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament," Shalva Papuashvili recalled

Ukrainian army may have up to five launchers for ATACMS missiles left, expert estimates

According to the available information, Ukraine was provided with about 70 HIMARS and MLRS launchers

German gas reserves in storage facilities drop below 30%

The highest stock level in Europe is currently registered in Portugal, Sweden and Spain

Kiev’s potential territorial concessions discussed by US, Ukraine — White House

According to Leavitt, Trump and his national security team "have been engaged directly" with Vladimir Zelensky and his team on this matter

Trump calls those who are trying to discredit US-Russia contacts ‘sick degenerates’

US President stressed that during his visit to Moscow, his special envoy Steve Witkoff had a series of other contacts

Liberation of Stepovoye in Zaporozhye area to impair Ukrainian logistics — politician

"There is a road running from Orekhov to Kamenskoye through Stepovoye, which the enemy constantly used," Vladimir Rogov said

Rubio says much to be worked on before peaceful settlement in Ukraine, it become closer

The US administration expects to get more information after telephone talks between American and Russians presidents

Up to 90% of arms, munitions destroyed in Kursk Region belong to NATO — Russian diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, these are military and technical supplies, ammunition, small arms, mines, shells, and multiple rocket launchers

Ukrainian army's morale at rock bottom after defeat in Kursk — regional official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, Ukrainian propaganda "is trying to magnify" frontline successes but soldiers on the engagement line see the actual state of things and have a different view about what is going on

Ukraine's own air defenses shoot down half of Kiev's aircraft declared lost — Rada MP

Maryana Bezuglaya noted that the findings of the investigation into the loss of one of the first F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine last August have yet to be made public

Russian army captures outskirts of Shcherbaki, Malye Shcherbaki in Zaporozhye — politician

Vladimir Rogov previously told TASS on March 15 that Russian units had reached the outskirts of Shcherbaki in the Zaporozhye Region and had begun fighting to take control of the settlement

Kremlin prepares talking points on Ukrainian issue for Putin-Trump conversation

The list also includes topical agenda issues

Trump weighs recognizing Russian control over Crimea as part of peace deal — portal

According to the report, the US administration is also discussing the possibility of asking the United Nations to follow suit

Russia interested in building new power plants in Tajikistan — Novak

The deputy prime minister noted that Russia invested in construction of the Sangtudinskaya Hydropower Plant in Tajikistan

Trumps says before talking about Putin’s potential visit to US deal on Ukraine to be made

US president said that "we have to get that agreement signed'

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

Although Ukraine uses reserves Russian army pushes forward near Krasnoarmeysk — DPR leader

Denis Pushilin noted that the "most rapid" advance of Russian troops is taking place around Velikaya Novoselka

Shopping center damaged in Russia’s Belgorod as drone attack repelled

Nearby trees caught fire, the consequences of the attack are being updated

Russia, Tajikistan setting new technological chains — Rosatom

Tajikistan takes a responsible approach towards the environmental future, CEO Alexey Likhachev said

London seeking to use Ukraine to avoid being marginalized, Chinese expert argues

By convening "a coalition of the willing", London seeks to "demonstrate British influence and avoid being marginalized by the US and Russia," Cui Heng argued

Not ‘a single cent’ from Slovakia for military aid to Ukraine — premier

Robert Fico stated that Slovakia would not participate in any military mission to Ukraine

Russia, Tajikistan aligned on global issues — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Moscow and Dushanbe "are committed to the principles of the rule of international law, sovereignty and non-interference into internal affairs"

Kiev fears Trump may agree to cede Odessa to Russia — media

The US president did not specify which specific regions he was referring to, but the White House has already made it clear that Russia is expected to maintain control over territories "that its troops already command," the newspaper said

Coordination of new Putin-Trump talk took several days — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the preparation time, in general, "depends on the decisions of the heads of state"

No repetition of Kiev 'Maidan' in Belgrade — Serbian president

Mass anti-government protests took place in Belgrade on Saturday

US to use force in Yemen until its goals are achieved — Pentagon

Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Sean Parnell said that it will not be 'an endless offensive'

Russian commander expects buffer zone to be created after Kursk Region liberated

According to Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov, the Ukrainian military is suffering heavy losses, despite deploying its best reserves to the Sudzha and Sumy directions

Foreign mercenaries perpetrate brutal atrocities in Kursk Region — Russian diplomat

According to testimony of civilians evacuated from the liberated areas, Poles and Georgian Legion members were especially brutal

Putin to hold telephone conversation with Trump

The Kremlin noted that talking points on all pressing issues, first of all on the Ukrainian settlement, would be prepared for the conversation

Colombian authorities eliminate cartel leader behind presidential assassination plot

The ministry reported that the Gulf Clan’s plan was to assassinate Petro last year during the president’s visit to the Choco region in the west of the country

Britain's wish to steal Russian assets stems from historical craving for piracy — MFA

Earlier, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for the swift appropriation of billions of dollars worth of Russian assets

Lavrov lambasts statement by Truss that Russia could attack Baltic states

According to Sergey Lavrov, Liz Truss's statement is "quite exemplary of English culture, politics and diplomacy"

Rada MP calls organization of Ukrainian army retreat from Kursk Region barbaric

Earlier, Ukraine’s General Staff tried to present the retreat from the Kursk Region as "regrouping," but many experts spoke of a "very difficult" situation for the remaining Ukrainian units there

Rwanda severs diplomatic relations with Belgium — Foreign Ministry

"This decision was made after a profound analysis of multiple factors, all of them tied with the pitiable attempts by Belgium to sustain its neocolonial illusions," the statement reads

Trump to ignore Germany’s call to coordinate on Russia concessions — MP

According to Alexey Pushkov, Donald Trump thinks that "agreeing policies with Europe would mean burying any hope for a peaceful settlement"

Oreshnik gives Russia upper hand in confrontation with NATO — US expert

Decker Eveleth said that the Oreshnik is the perfect weapon for attacking dense targets like air bases, where its conventional submunitions can deal significant damage

Iran condemns military aggression against Yemen by US, UK-Iranian mission

The US Central Command said that the goal of massive strikes was to defend American interests and restore freedom of navigation

Zelensky signs law on sending army to other states

The decision to send the army to other states during martial law is made by the president, while simultaneously submitting a bill to parliament for its ratification

Risks of incidents at Kursk nuclear power station persist — Rosatom CEO

As Alexey Likhachev stressed, "there are no plans to reduce the level of protection and safety at the Kursk station"

Press review: Putin backs ceasefire but calls for talks as Russian army shifts Kursk front

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 14th

Russian forces fully liberate Stepovoye community in Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russian forces struck a Ukrainian UAV training center and military airfields over the past day, the ministry reported

Putin to speak at RSPP congress

Around 1,300 delegates and guests, including largest entrepreneurs, representatives of small and mid-sized business from all parts of the country, heads of ministries and agencies, are expected to participate

Death toll from Israel’s overnight airstrikes on Gaza exceeds 300 — TV

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on March 18 that it had carried out large-scale strikes on facilities in Gaza belonging to the Palestinian movement Hamas

US drone retreats from Iranian airspace after encounter with country’s air forces - agency

Any aerial vehicle, piloted or pilotless, will be eliminated immediately if it crosses Iran’s airspace, according to the report

Trump plans to raise issue of ZNPP during phone call with Putin — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt refused to say whether Vladimir Zelensky’s future will be among the topics to be discussed by Presidents Putin and Trump

Nikolayev Region residents provide data on Ukrainian movements — underground resistance

Sergey Lebedev pointed out that the people he cooperates with are rightly called the resistance, not the underground

US proposal for ceasefire in Ukraine may replicate scenario of Minsk agreements — expert

According to Krissada Phromvek, there are many complex issues that must be resolved before reaching an agreement

US cutting 'unnecessary functions' with Ukraine probe exit — Kremlin

The media reported that the United States has decided to withdraw from the so-called international group "investigating" actions by Russia during the special military operation in Ukraine

Ukraine’s army trying to hold three communities in Kursk Region — Akhmat commander

According to Apty Alaudinov, the Ukrainian army is failing in this attempt and suffering heavy casualties

Press review: Russia prepared for US ties as EU blocks Ukraine resolution

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 17th

Growth in demand for air travel boosts interest in domestic aircraft — Rosaviatsiya

Head of the Federal Air Transport Agency Dmitry Yadrov specified that 142 such aircraft are expected to be delivered to Russian airlines by 2030

IDF confirms strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza

No details of the operation were provided

Kinzhal missile wipes out Patriot air defense system in Kiev — Russian Defense Ministry

On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Armed Forces hit a US-made Patriot system in Kiev with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile

Pentagon refrains from commenting on possible ground operation in Yemen, attack on Iran

US President Donald Trump earlier said that Tehran can be held responsible for Ansar Allah’s actions

China's leader refuses trip to Brussels to honor anniversary of relations — media

The newspaper notes that the venues for such meetings usually alternate, with the prime minister typically attending in Brussels, while the president hosts summits in Beijing

US hits Yemeni Hodeida governorate — TV

The strike was reportedly delivered on the Al Arj neighborhood on the Red Sea coast not far from the governorate’s administrative center

US launching strikes on Yemen’s capital of Sanaa — Al Masirah

Strong blasts are heard in all parts of the city, according to Al Hadath and Sky News Arabia TV channels

Ukrainians residing in Poland started receiving summonses — Strana

According to the media outlet, the authenticity of summonses has not been established

Trump certain Russia, US can agree on Ukrainian reconciliation

According to US president, his conversation with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is expected 'tomorrow morning'

Turkey will not join sanctions against Russia — Erdogan

"Firstly, I cannot leave my people to freeze in the winter, and secondly, I cannot completely reboot this industry of ours," Erdogan said

Ukrainian attacks kill 25 Russian civilians in past week, leave 127 injured — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, last week, the Ukrainian military attempted the largest drone attack on civilian targets in Russia since the start of Moscow’s special military operation

Security forces detain Ukrainian soldiers disguised as Russian troops in Kursk border area

"They immediately inform the Russian military about suspicious persons," the source said.

Israel responsible for violation of ceasefire agreement — Hamas

The movement also urged the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation 'to assume the historical responsibility by supporting the firmness and brave resistance of our Palestinian people and breaking the tough blockade of the Gaza Strip'

US ready to stop its operation against Houthis if they refuse from attacks

According to Washington, United States has hit more than 30 targets in Yemen

Serbian special services deny using 'sonic weapon' against protesters in Belgrade

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said earlier on Monday that the government invites Russian and US special services to investigate the alleged use of a "sonic weapon" by the police

US consulted by Israel on Gaza strikes — White House

A senior Hamas official told Reuters earlier that Israel had unilaterally ended the Gaza ceasefire agreement

EU foreign ministers fail to agree on €40 bln aid package for Ukraine — Kallas

The EU top diplomat stressed that everyone recognized that the EU needed to "show result" right now and support Ukraine "so that they can defend themselves"

White House spokesperson puts blame for hostilities in Ukraine on previous administration

"President Trump is very proud of the progress that he and his team have made in such a short amount of time, and hopefully tomorrow, that progress will move forward," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

Iran resolutely rejects US statements on Tehran’s involvement in Houthi attacks

Trump said earlier that Washington would hold Tehran responsible for all attacks staged by the Ansar Allah movement, adding that the US might not stop at striking Houthi facilities if their attacks on US forces in the region continued

Russia’s S-500 missile defense system seen as top-notch by US analysts — media

The S-500, produced by the Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer, was designed to destroy all existing and future aerospace attack weapons of a potential enemy across the entire range of altitudes and speeds

Number of deaths in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip up to 170 people — TV

Earlier reports said that 112 people were killed

Over 460 people evacuated from Kursk Region’s Sudzha district — Emergencies Ministry

According to the ministry, people are provided with drinking water and food, as well as medical and psychological support

Russia’s import-substituted SJ-100 equipped with PD-8 engines takes off for maiden flight

According to First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, it was an important and long-awaited step towards certification of a technologically independent version of the Superjet

Official expects Russian forces to liberate Volchansk, Kupyansk in Kharkov Region

Vitaly Ganchev earlier said that the Russian Armed Forces were in control of the northern part of Volchansk, and they were less than seven kilometers away from Kupyansk

West can send troops to Ukraine without Russia’s consent — Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to be a military observer mission

Western governments told media to conceal Nazi imagery in Ukraine — SVR

The press service said that when covering the events in Ukraine, journalists were instructed to "politely" ask Ukrainian troops who wear "Nazi flags, insignia, uniforms and make characteristic greeting gestures" to remove "propaganda elements and refrain from undesired actions" for the time of recording

Trump declares his predecessor’s pardons `void and vacant'

On January 17, Joe Biden issued individual pardons to a number of persons, including former US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and former US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Director Anthony Fauci

Drone attack on Belgorod severely injures one person

State of the wounded person is estimated as severe

EU trying to get in on Ukraine talks, no openings yet — Kallas

The chief of European diplomacy said the EU has met with US negotiators to voice "different elements that could be brought up by the Russians"

IN BRIEF: What is known about operation to liberate Kursk Region

The battlegroup North units inflicted losses in offensive operations on formations of a mechanized brigade, two air assault brigades, a marine infantry brigade and two territorial defense brigades of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Gogolevka, Gornal, Guyevo and Oleshnya in the Kursk Region

Germany delivers new military aid shipment to Kiev, including MRAPVs and drones

The shipment also includes 556 laser ranging devices, 255 IR binoculars, two border protection vehicles, 8,000 mortar rounds of 120mm caliber

Foreign mercenaries target retreating Ukrainian troops, POW says

According to Nazar Valechenko, he had initially paid five thousand dollars to stay in the rear and guard a factory in the Poltava Region, which was later destroyed by Russian troops

Macron looks for excuses for involvement in Ukraine conflict — Russian diplomat

Earlier, Macron stated in an interview with Le Parisien that European countries willing to send a military contingent to Ukraine

Brussels, not Moscow, meddled in Romanian election — opposition

According to the leader of the opposition Alliance for the Union of Romanians, the May election rerun will not be merely about choosing a new president but about "sparing Romania from being subjected to foreign interests and the corrupt elite which doesn’t represent" its people

Russian annual arms export may grow to $17 bln after Ukraine conflict ends

The Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade estimated the current arms export portfolio at $13.75 billion

IN BRIEF: What is known about resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip

The Palestinian movement Hamas described Israel’s move to resume military operations in the enclave as "a death sentence" for the captives