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Kurds to protect their lands if US troops leave Syria — SDF

According to SDF representative Laila Moussa, the diplomatic solution of the Kurdish issue will benefit all sides, including Turkey which continues to use aggressive rhetoric

BEIRUT, February 5. /TASS/. The command of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) sustains close coordination with the US and the Western coalition who expanded their military presence following the shift of power in Damascus, Laila Moussa, SDF representative, told Al Hadath.

"We prefer for US forces to stay in Syria until the situation in the country stabilizes," the official said, commenting on information about the US’ plans to withdraw its troops. "If US troops leave Syria after all, the Kurds will rise in arms to safeguard their lands and their military gains," she added.

According to Moussa, the diplomatic solution of the Kurdish issue will benefit all sides, including Turkey which continues to use aggressive rhetoric. She emphasized that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not yet been given the go-ahead to invade Kurdish regions in Syria’s northeast.

Earlier, NBC reported that the Pentagon was developing plans to withdraw all US troops from Syria. According to the TV channel, US President Donald Trump and officials close to him recently expressed interest in pulling US troops out of Syria. The US leader himself told reporters at the White House that Washington must not get involved in Syria’s affairs.

The Kurds control 25% of Syria’s territory, including most of Raqqa and Al-Hasakah governorates, as well as the northeastern part of Deir ez-Zor governorate, where oil fields are located. Since 2015, the US has built at least nine military bases in the areas controlled by the SDF.

The Kurdish forces are currently clashing with the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) in the vicinity of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) and Manbij.

According to the Rudaw TV channel, two rounds of talks between SDF military commander Mazlum Abdi and Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s president during the transitional period, were held in January. The media outlet reported that the sides discussed the future of northeastern regions and the incorporation of Kurdish formations into the Syrian army.

US ready to take over Ukrainian nuclear plants to end conflict — energy secretary

Earlier, Washington said after US President Donald Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Zelensky that the United States could help Ukraine in the issue of operating its nuclear power plants

US suspends some counterintelligence operations against Russia — agency

However, according to current and former US officials, most of this work has been suspended, meetings with European partners have become irregular and the White House National Security Council has stopped coordinating efforts with other agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State

Several EU countries openly support anti-Russian terrorist organizations — senior lawmaker

According to Vasily Piskarev, the Europeans "long ago lost their sovereignty and are constantly eyeing their master, periodically trying to break free"

Russian, US expert teams to discuss Ukraine in Riyadh in coming days — envoy

According to Mike Waltz, the sides are "to focus on implementing and expanding the partial ceasefire President Trump secured from Russia"

Israeli airstrike on Gaza kills at least 14 people, injures over 30

According to Al Jazeera, Palestinians participating in a funeral ceremony came under fire

Russia to deliver 2,000 jam-resistant kamikaze drones to Ukraine operation zone

According to the People’s Front, UDK drones have destroyed over 50 US-made Bradley vehicles and over 30 M777 artillery guns

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

Ex-Moldovan President Dodon expresses concern with shipments of weapons from EU

According to the Moldovan media, the European Union has decided to deploy armored personnel carriers and air defense systems in Moldova

FACTBOX: What we know about Kiev’s thwarted provocation in Belgorod Region

Ukraine’s losses amounted to up to 60 troops, a tank, seven armored fighting vehicles, three counterobstacle vehicles, and a motor vehicle

Trump, Zelensky agree that peace in Ukraine can be achieved — White House

The document said that the US administration characterized the US president's conversation with Vladimir Zelensky as "fantastic"

Weekly inflation stands at 0.06% in Russia-statistics

Consumer prices in Russia gained 0.23% since early March and 2.28 from the year start

Belgorod Region’s Emergency Situations Ministry dismisses biological weapons rumors

The office advised residents to remain vigilant and to rely on primary sources

Trump, Zelensky agree that peace in Ukraine can be achieved — White House

According to the statement, "Ukraine and America will continue working together to bring about a real end to the war"

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

Istanbul mayor arrested as part of investigations into suspected corruption

Before Ekrem Imamoglu was apprehended, he vowed to keep fighting in a video message on X

Kremlin keeping eye on whether Kiev listen to intention of Russia, US to reach peace

The Kremlin has observed a lack of reciprocity from Kiev regarding the observance of a 30-day ceasefire related to energy infrastructure, Dmitry Peskov stated

German government to nominate Baerbock for UN General Assembly president — DPA

The General Assembly is expected to elect Annalena Baerbock as its president in June

Hungary wants to resumes its exports to Russia — PM

The Hungarian Prime Minister spoke to journalists in Brussels after a meeting of the leaders of the parties that formed the Patriots of Europe faction

Trump, Zelensky discuss possibility of transferring Ukrainian nuclear power plants to US

Donald Trump said that "the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise"

Putin, Trump did not discuss change of government in Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the strikes that Kiev carried out on energy facilities on Wednesday are "the best evidence of that"

Turkish opposition leader calls for rallies in support for Istanbul mayor on March 23

Istanbul authorities have banned rallies and demonstrations in the city until March 23

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

Previous US administration deceived and destroyed Ukraine — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Ukraine was an "emerging democracy" plagued with "corruption, graft and nationalism"

Zelensky becomes destroyer for Ukraine — Medvedchuk

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, Vladimir Zelensky has already earned billions from the mass deaths of Ukrainians

US ready to take over Ukrainian nuclear plants to end conflict — energy secretary

Earlier, Washington said after US President Donald Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Zelensky that the United States could help Ukraine in the issue of operating its nuclear power plants

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian drone strike on oil facility in southern Russia

A crashing drone caused the decompression of an oil tank at the facility and ignited a fire

State Department, Pentagon, CIA engaged in normalizing contacts with Russia — Witkoff

The special envoy expressed belief that very positive results will be seen in the near term

US envoy calls Washington-Moscow relations important

Steve Witkoff pointed to the need to normalize relations and maintain dialogue between Russia and the US

Visit to Moscow was difficult, but necessary — IOC presidential candidate Watanabe

After the meeting with Morinari Watanabe in Moscow, the head of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, Oleg Belozerov, stated that his main task was to return Russian athletes to FIG-licensed competitions under the national flag

UK special forces put on standby for potential deployment to Ukraine — newspaper

Earlier, UK media reported that several dozen officers are already in Ukraine, where they are providing security for the embassy in Kiev

Moscow protests temporary lockdown of its embassy in Moldova

The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed to an incident that took place earlier on Wednesday, when Moldovan police locked down the Russian embassy in Chisinau for several hours citing an alleged bomb threat

Trump’s course toward cooperation with Russia beginning to ‘bear fruit’ — US expert

In his words, the phone call between the US and Russian leaders "call marks a substantive first step on what will be a long and winding road to a negotiated peace"

Putin speaks on imminent Ukrainian defeat in Kursk at Prosecutor Office board meeting

The Russian president noted that the number of complaints received by the Prosecutor's Office increased by 10% in 2024

Fire area at oil depot in Krasnodar Region increased to 4,250 sq m

According to the report, professionals continue fire extinguishing at three facilities in the oil depot

Expert calls cooperation between Russia, US against China unfeasible

Zhang Weiwei called Russia and China "civilization states"

US tried to eliminate Houthi senior official in Sanaa — media

Al Arabiya channel did not specify whether the strike successfully eliminated him

US national security advisor Waltz says held phone call with Russian counterpart

Mike Waltz said that he had not discussed Western military assistance to Ukraine

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV storage sites over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 465 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

Iranian IRGC military advisers killed in US strikes on Yemen — Sky News Arabia

The Pentagon said that the strikes against targets of the Iranian-backed Ansar Allah movement are distinct from the operations conducted under the previous US administration, as they cover a wider range of targets

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

Russia’s national soccer team beats Grenada 5-0 in friendly match

Artyom Dzyuba became the top scorer in the history of the Russian national team

UK policy may lead to total destruction of Ukraine — Russian ambassador

In his words, the United Kingdom has chosen to go into confrontation

Russian forces strike oil industry facilities used for Ukrainian army’s needs

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 205 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Lasting peace in Ukraine hinges on West ceasing all military support — expert

According to Alexander Hoffmann, the agreement to mutually suspend strikes on energy infrastructure shows that Russia is willing to negotiate in good faith

Putin stresses need to protect rights of domestic businesses to boost economic growth

Regulatory authorities, including the office of the prosecutor general, transitioned to a risk-based approach starting in January 2025, the Russian leader said

Ukraine’s strikes against Russian power installation are sabotage of agreements — Kremlin

"Information has already been widely available about the command of the Russian President, the command of the supreme commander-in-chief of Russia [about termination of strikes against Ukrainian power facilities for the period of 30 days] at the moment of launching these attacks," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Press review: Putin, Trump hold high-stakes call while Israel resumes strikes in Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 19th

Israel to destroy Gaza if Palestinians don't return hostages — top defense official

"The evacuation of the population from combat zones will soon begin again," Israel Katz said

US oil inventories up 1.7 mln barrels over week — Department of Energy

The current stock level is 5% below the five-year average typical for this time of the year, the department added

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

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

Trump tells Zelensky about results of his conversation with Putin

The telephone call "lasted approximately one hour"

Press review: Russia, US discuss ceasefire as the West forms new NATO alliances

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 18th

It is now obvious to everyone what Western jurisdictions are worth — Putin

"But now the covers have completely fallen off, as they say, and it has become evident to everyone what the various high courts in the European capitals, Western jurisdictions, where many sought to hide in, are worth," the Russian president said

Telegram’s active users above one billion monthly — Durov

"On average, each user opens Telegram 21 times daily and spends 41 minutes on the app every day," the messenger founder said

Russian economy to become 'safe haven' — Putin

According to the head of state, the Russian business has learned how to work in the environment of sanctions, and entrepreneurs adapted to them

US does not want closer Russia-China ties, but seeks better relations with both — Trump

The US President also noted that America is very different from the country it was a few months ago

Trump gives Iran two months to strike new nuclear deal — media

According to Axios, it is still unclear whether the deadline starts counting from the moment the Iranian authorities received the letter in early March or from the moment when negotiations on the nuclear deal may begin

Witkoff, Trump's son, son-in-law, and Carlson engage with Ukrainian opposition — Politico

The sources said, some in the Trump world are "delusional in thinking they can anoint someone in Ukraine to be their partner and to electorally succeed in the short-to-medium term whenever elections take place"

Trump briefed on Kiev military’s terrorist crimes against Russians — delegation in Vienna

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump confirmed during a telephone conversation on Tuesday their intention to continue efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict and to further consider the American leader's proposals

US may soften anti-Russian sanctions after settlement deal for Ukraine — special envoy

"And we're going to get to the ceasefire, and I think after that, everything else will be a detail, sanction relief and all the other things that go with a full-on peace treaty," Steven Witkoff said

Trump says his conversation with Putin was ‘great’

Putin and Trump earlier held a conversation, in which they discussed the issue of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

Putin, Trump push Europe further towards global periphery, expert says

The conversation between the Russian and US leaders shows that Washington is actively searching for ways to resolve the issue, Zheng Renyi said

Zelensky agrees to give up strikes on energy infrastructure — media

According to the report, the Ukrainian president announced the decision during phone conversation with the US leader on Wednesday

Ukrainian army withdraws in area in DPR — army general

Sergey Nayev earlier served as commander of the Ukrainian Joint Forces

Russian official skeptical US will really halt counterintelligence ops against Moscow

Nikolay Patrushev urged to judge by deeds, "not just by words"

Hamas says Israel passed Gaza ceasefire proposals through mediators

The radicals' spokesman Abdul Rahman Shadid did not elaborate on what exactly the Israeli proposals included

US wants large-scale trade with Russia, including in minerals — Trump

In late February, President Putin stated that Russia was open to exploring major economic projects with the United States

New Russia-US talks on Ukraine won’t be held at ministerial level — diplomat

US State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce did not say whether such contacts are possible in a trilateral format, involving not only Russia and the United States, but also Ukraine

Russian forces free 12 sq. km at junction of Donetsk, Zaporozhye, Dnepropetrovsk regions

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on March 1 that the Battlegroup East had liberated the settlements of Burlatskoye and Skudnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

US now more interested in Ukraine settlement than NHL, KHL games — White House

The Kremlin press service reported earlier that Trump, in a telephone conversation, supported Putin's initiative to arrange hockey matches in the United States and Russia

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

Ukrainian soldiers stunned by Russia’s Operation Pipeline — Russian commander

Operation Pipeline involved a joint assault unit comprising soldiers from the 11th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade, the 30th Regiment of the 72nd Motorized Rifle Division, the Akhmat special forces unit, and volunteers from the Veterans and Vostok V assault brigades

European Commission unveils EU’s militarization strategy with plan to arm Ukraine

According to the commission’s statement, it is "an ambitious defense package providing financial levers to EU member states"

Ukraine, US to meet in Saudi Arabia, discuss steps for peace in coming days — Zelensky

"In further meetings, the teams can agree on all necessary aspects of advancing toward lasting peace and security guarantees," Vladimir Zelensky added

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 confused why G7 known as 'big' seven

The GDP growth in the G7 countries for 2024 was just 1.9%, while the BRICS countries saw a growth rate of 4.9%, the Russian leader noted

Ukraine’s 2014 coup was CIA’s political mistake — Putin

The Russian president noted that the US agency had achieved its goal of changing the government but failed to see what it would evolve into

Hungarian president defies Brussels, signs law banning gay pride parades

Hungarian authorities stated that the new law, which amends the law on assemblies, aims to protect the interests of children

Pope Francis’ condition continues to improve — Holy See

Several days ago, the Vatican released the first image of Pope Francis in hospital

'Peacekeeping' in Ukraine to spell involvement in conflict — Russian delegation in Vienna

Acting head of the Russian delegation Yulia Zhdanova emphasized that the concept of achieving "peace through strength," which encourages the Kiev regime to escalate attacks against civilians, is utterly unacceptable

Gislaved plant to produce 1.2 mln tires in 2025

The tire plant plans to produce winter and summer products of the Cordiant brand and about 30 SKUs

Zelensky attempts to ridicule Trump by continuing attacks against Russia — State Duma MP

Mikhail Sheremet noted that Kiev should follow the example of the US and take care of its immediate future today, given its loss of positions and setbacks on the frontline

US, Ukraine agree to move forward toward expanding ceasefire — White House

"They reviewed the situation in Kursk and agreed to share information closely between their defense staffs as the battlefield situation evolved," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

Russian army repels Ukrainian counterattacks near LPR’s Nadiya, Novoyegorovka — expert

Andrey Marochko clarified that the current actions by the enemy in this segment of the frontline resemble reconnaissance by fire

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

Outcome of Putin-Trump call exceeds skeptics’ expectations, expert says

In their phone call, Putin and Trump discussed the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, ways to prevent a further escalation of tensions and a number of international issues, the Kremlin press service said

Ukraine unlikely to implement any agreements reached by Putin, Trump — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, the Ukrainian authorities only nominally agree with the US, while continuing to promote the ideas that Ukraine finds "fundamental"

Trump says Putin was 'very solid', 'strong' in their recent phone call

Putin and Trump held a phone call on March 18, discussing the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, ways to prevent a further escalation of tensions and a number of international issues

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

Bank of Russia lifts dollar rate to 82.85 rubles for March 20

The official euro rate was increased by 3.26 rubles

By destroying its UAVs ready to attack, Russia shows compliance with agreements — Kremlin

"The drones were lining up in combat formation," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Confiscation of Russian assets not a simple issue, UK prime minister says

The Times said earlier that about $30 bln of assets of the Central Bank of Russia were frozen in the United Kingdom

Russian fisheries agency expects recovery of exports in 2025

According to the Federal Agency for Fisheries, Russian exports of fish products totaled $4.7 bln in value terms as of the end of 2024

IN BRIEF: What is known about prisoner exchange between Russia, Ukraine

The exchange was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump

NATO can no longer 'wage war of attrition' with Russia — expert

"The primary reason for this is that Russia continues to outpace the US and NATO in terms of weapons production and military capabilities," Chung Jae-hung said

Kiev attacks energy site in southern Russia after infrastructure ceasefire — top brass

It is reported that the Kiev regime launched a deliberate attack by three fixed-wing UAVs on an energy infrastructure facility located at the Kavkazskaya station (the Krasnodar Region)

Austrian media outlet calls Putin-Trump phone call 'most important in the world'

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Vladimir Putin’s call with Donald Trump has ended

Freezing conflict in Ukraine unacceptable — Russian delegation in Vienna

Acting head of the Russian delegation Yulia Zhdanova highlighted that, on March 18, during high-level contacts between Russia and the United States, the Russian side outlined key points regarding the US initiative to introduce a 30-day ceasefire

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

KHL-NHL matches could take place in late summer at the earliest — Fetisov

"The NHL is currently getting ready for the playoffs," the two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time NHL Stanley Cup champion noted

India, Russia to conduct Indra Navy joint military exercises

Conducting the maneuvers "will serve the purpose of strengthening the friendship between Russia’s Navy and the Navy of the Republic of India," the Russian Embassy emphasized