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Middle East conflict

Hamas to release three hostages held in Gaza, including German citizen, on Feb 8

The Palestinian movement decided to free Eliyahu Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami

CAIRO, February 7. /TASS/. The Palestinian movement Hamas will release three Israeli hostages held in Gaza on February 8, Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam Brigades, said.

"Based on an exchange agreement [with Israel], we decided to free Eliyahu Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami on Saturday, February 8," he wrote on Telegram.

One of the hostages, Ohad Ben Ami, is a dual Israeli-German national.

Earlier on Friday, Hamas announced that it remained committed to the Gaza ceasefire agreement but accused Israel of delaying the implementation of the humanitarian deal, impeding the delivery of tents, fuel and equipment for rubble removal to the Palestinian enclave.

The ceasefire in Gaza took effect on January 19. On the same day, three Israeli women were returned home. Israel, in turn, released 90 Palestinian prisoners. On January 25, four more Israeli women were released from captivity in the Gaza Strip and Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners. As many as 114 of them arrived in the West Bank, 16 returned to Gaza, and the rest 70 were deported to Egypt.

On January 30, three Israeli nationals and five Thai citizens were freed in an additional round of the exchange, and 110 Palestinian nationals were released from Israeli jails. On February 1, three more hostages returned from Gaza, one of whom is a dual Israeli-French national and another one holds Israeli and US passports. As many as 183 Palestinians were freed from Israeli jails; eight of them were taken to Egypt.

US military delivers two airstrikes on Yemeni’s governate of Hodeidah

No information followed immediately regarding possible casualties after the attacks

Europe at risk of ‘engaging in civilizational suicide’ — US vice president

According to JD Vance, the policy of open borders and the limitations of citizens’ rights are becoming a serious issue for European countries

Zelensky replaces chief of General Staff

The reasons for the personnel reshuffle are not given

Houthis ready to negotiate peace with US — media

Movement spokesman emphasized that the movement is ready for peace if there is a "serious attempt" at a settlement

Erdogan tells Trump he supports US efforts in Ukrainian settlement

Erdogan also told Trump that Turkey "expects the US to take steps in the context of the fight against terrorism"

Press review: Russia, US eye stability as Moscow upholds preconditions for Kiev talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 13th

'Oreshnik' in Belarus, Trump 'bulldozer': Lukashenko addresses upper house

Belarusian leader stressed that Moscow and Minsk "seamlessly complement each other" in industry despite differences in resources

Death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen rises to 19 — Al Masirah TV channel

Among the dead are four children and one woman, the TV channel notes

Novgorod-made FPV drone Prince Vandal causes $300 mln damage to NATO

Earlier, the CEO of the research and production center Ushkuynik, Alexey Chadayev, said that the drone for the first time would begin to be manufactured in several regions of Russia

Serbia’s police issue final warning to protesters in central Belgrade

Some of the protesters have attempted to provoke policemen by throwing firecrackers and bottles at them

Macron's intention to protect everyone with France's '3-4 nuclear bombs' is funny — Lavrov

The minister also noted that Macron is now trying to present the situation as if Russian President Vladimir Putin did not want to implement the 2015 Minsk agreements

Ukraine trying to attack civilians of Dvurechnaya attempting to evacuate — official

Earlier, he reported that 16 people had been evacuated from Dvurechnaya, while another 45 had requested evacuation by Russian troops

Over 36 people killed in devastating natural calamity in US, says President Trump

According to US media outlets, the natural calamity struck residents of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas

Russian air defenses down four JDAM bombs, 141 Ukrainian drones in past day — top brass

Russian troops have hit Ukraine’s military airfields, drone production workshops and their storage sites in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Death toll from US strikes on Yemen climbs to 31 — Houthi health ministry

According to the US Central Command, the operation aims to protect American interests and ensure freedom of navigation

Scientists present Russia's first 50-qubit cold atom quantum computer — MSU

The experiment that allowed testing the supercomputer prototype took place on December 19, the Moscow State University said

Sanctions against Rubio still in place, publications saying otherwise fake news — MFA

Rubio was added to the list of US citizens under individual sanctions, including a ban on entry to Russia, in May 2022

Woman and child injured in Belgorod region as a result of drone attack by Kiev forces

The victims were taken to hospitals

US strikes on Yemen not to impact Houthis' Red Sea operations — spokesman

"The US president's statements regarding the threat to international navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are false and mislead the global community", the movement's spokesman stated on his X page.

Gazprom sets new record of gas supplies to China over Power of Siberia

This is the third record since them time when gas deliveries over the Power of Siberia gas pipeline reached the maximum contracted level on December 1, 2024, Gazprom added

Russian strikes on logistics, not US, behind halt in Ukrainian ATACMS attacks — politician

Russian troops prevent attempts by Ukrainian army to break through deep into Kursk region

The ministry added that the Russian military destroyed four armored personnel carriers

Death toll in US strikes on Yemen exceeds 50, up to 100 wounded — health official

According to the Al Hadath TV channel, the strikes targeted the headquarters of the Houthis' Supreme Political Council

Eurasian Rating Agency to create investment map of Eurasia

The Eurasian Rating Agency was founded in 2024

Gerasimov says international security deteriorates as West wants to keep dominating

It is reported that the Russian forces keep the initiative and advance in the whole front despite colossal aid to Kiev from the West

Houthis hit US Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier using missiles, drones

Earlier, it was reported that the US had targeted underground facilities of the Houthis in the Amran Province, located in the northwest of Yemen, along with the movement's positions in the Saada Province

Crew Dragon spacecraft with Russian cosmonaut onboard docks with ISS — NASA

The docking took place at 00:04 a.m. GMT

Trump refuses to raise tariffs on steel, aluminum from Canada to 50% — White House

President Trump has once again used the leverage of the American economy, White House spokesman Kush Desai said

Moscow to host Intervision song contest in 2025 — Putin’s decree

Around 20 countries, including all BRICS nations, have confirmed their participation

Meeting with Putin lasted 3-4 hours, was ‘solution-based — Witkoff

Earlier, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that Putin received Witkoff late Thursday night and provided information for US President Donald Trump

Telegram co-founder Durov leaves France for Dubai with judges’ permission — AFP

A source told AFP that Durov had been authorized to leave France "for several weeks"

Trade war between US, China may adversely affect Sino-Russian trade — expert

US duties in respect of Canada, Mexico, China and the EU may lead to GDP growth deceleration in these countries and across the globe in general, CEO of US-based Navigator Principal Investors Kyle Shostak said

"Angara-1.2" puts military satellites into orbit

The launch proceeded smoothly, with the rocket being monitored by the ground automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Center.

Fire in North Macedonia kills over 50 people, injures 100 — Interior Ministry

More than 80 people have been hospitalized, according to Macedonia's Media Information Agency

Putin invites Maduro to Moscow on May 9

"Supplies of Venezuelan fuel and lubricants, sent to our country through the lend-lease system, ensuring the operation of aviation and other military equipment, were crucial," the Russian leader said

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

Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region will be destroyed, if refuse to surrender — Medvedev

The politician noted that the coming hours will show whether the Kiev regime will use the chance to save its soldiers

US restarting trade relations with all foreign partners — Rubio

Washington is not aiming at waging trade wars, said Secretary of State

Radio Liberty receives letter about termination of funding by US authorities

President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Capus said cancelling the grant agreement would be "a massive gift to America’s enemies"

Almost entire Voice of America staff sent on leave, radio station going silent — CEO

Michael Abramowitz, Voice of America's director, said that nearly his entire staff of 1,300 journalists, producers and assistants had been put on administrative leave

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

US military launches large-scale operation against Houthis in Yemen

The operation includes a series of precision strikes on Houthi targets

Russian, Belarusian citizens to face significant limitations of entry to US — newspaper

According to The New York Times, Washington will not close its borders for Russians and Belarusians completely

US contacts Russia on possible cooperation with Gazprom — Bloomberg

It is reported that negotiations between the American and Russian sides on this issue are at an early stage

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

Merkel views Russia as a strong nuclear power that captures Trump’s admiration

Commenting on the notorious clash between Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky in the White House, Merkel recalled thinking that she never wanted to see anything like this again

Macron does not rule out more Mirage 2000 fighter jet deliveries to Kiev

French leader "did not rule out" such a move amid statements from Ukraine’s armed forces saying that they had successfully used one such combat aircraft

G7 threatens Russia with new sanctions in case of rejecting ceasefire initiative

The G7 members "called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully"

Europe’s words about sending troops to Ukraine is a bluff — Russian official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber, the introduction of third-country contingents into Ukraine would be illegal and would be contrary to the interests of security and the establishment of long-term peace

Over 370 people taken out of Kursk Region's liberated territories since March 12

"Today, 70 more people were evacuated", Alexander Khinshtein, announced on his Telegram channel

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

Crew Dragon ship with Russian cosmonaut Peskov on board on its way to ISS

The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS on Saturday evening

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

French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to be a military observer mission

IDF reports elimination of six radicals in northern Gaza Strip

The terrorists who were struck were operating a drone designed to carry out terrorist attacks against IDF troops, army press service

Europe's security without Russia and Belarus is utopia, Matvienko says

Federation Council Speaker emphasized that Russia has consistently urged Europe to convene at the negotiating table to establish a security framework that is common and indivisible

Western nationals unable to register real properties in Donbass by 2028

This decree expands and complements norms established in December 2024

Trump concedes NATO at war against Russia in Ukraine

US president made the statement at a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin

Death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen rises to 23 — TV

Among the dead are four children and one woman

Almost 400 people evacuated from Sudzha district of Kursk Region

The Russian Emergencies Ministry press service emphasized that evacuees are receiving all necessary support, including food, medical examinations, and aid

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

US hopes for deal with Russia within weeks to address Ukraine crisis — presidential envoy

Earlier, the US special presidential envoy said he expected that there would be a phone conversation between the US and Russian presidents next week

Russia sentences at least nine foreign mercenaries for a role in Ukraine’s Kursk incursion

British national James Scott Rhys Anderson, arrested in the Kursk Region, was given 19 years behind bars following a court trial

French PM says Europe should prepare for trade war with US

At the same time, the prime minister expressed the view that Europe and the US still have the opportunity to resolve the situation through negotiations

Time running out for Ukrainian troops in Kursk area to lay down arms — Kremlin

Putin thus responded to the call of US President Donald Trump, who offered to "spare" the Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

Trump ready to discuss rebuilding of bridges with Russia — White House

Trump did not rule out introducing new anti-Russian measures as part of the process of resolving the conflict, Waltz said

Ceasefire may give Ukraine time to rearm — Kremlin aide

He added that Russia's stance and concerns on this issue "are well known to everyone."

Russian forces start liberating Shcherbaki in Zaporozhye Region — politician

Earlier, Rogov told TASS that the Russian armed forces had advanced in the Zaporozhye Region, approaching the settlements of Shcherbaki and Malye Shcherbaki from the south

Trump congratulates Kellogg on his appointment as special envoy to Ukraine

Earlier, Kellogg served as Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia

Russia to insist on Ukraine’s neutral status, NATO’s non-admission to achieve peace deal

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, concrete security guarantees should be the part of the agreement

It is becoming impossible for Kiev troops to break out of encirclement near Kursk — Putin

"They are leaving their military equipment behind, because there is no way to evacuate it," the president added

Russian regulator extends restrictions on flights to Israel at nighttime

Russian air carriers Red Wings and Azimuth make direct flights from Russia to Israel

Kursk Region has transformed into a Kursk fortress — acting governor

According to Alexander Khinshtein, both the Russian military, who are liberating the region, and volunteers, who are assisting residents of border areas, are part of such a fortress

Armenian PM tells Iranian president talks with Azerbaijan concluded

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and bilateral issues

Verkhovna Rada member accuses chief of General Staff of corruption

"Bargilevich was involved in a number of dubious activities related to bribery and commerce, all without any investigations," Maryana Bezuglaya said

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.

Ukraine, Russia’s potential concessions yet to be seen — Rubio

According to the top US diplomat, there can be "no military solution" to the hostilities in Ukraine

Leaders of Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan call Azeri president at informal meeting — Kremlin

Aliyev expressed his gratitude for Putin’s invitation to attend the May 9 events in the Russian capital, the Azerbaijani leader’s press service said

Russian forces start demining border areas of Kursk Region

The ministry also said that the sappers have a lot of work to do

Putin, Trump expected to talk next week — Witkoff

Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming discussion

FACTBOX: Russia liberates settlements in Kursk, charges Ukrainian mercenaries

Over the past day, the enemy lost more than 260 military personnel, five armored personnel carriers, two armored combat vehicles, five automobiles, four artillery pieces, two mortars, as well as three unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control sites

Rubio briefed Lavrov on US military operation against Houthis in Yemen — State Department

Rubio and Lavrov also discussed further steps to restore Russian-American ties during a telephone conversation, the US Department of State added

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

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

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

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

Russian National Guard to ensure security in Kursk Region on Victory Day eve — acting head

Sergey Mikhailovich (Rosgvardiya Deputy Director - Chief of the Main Staff Colonel General Sergey Boyko - TASS) emphasized that the agency will make every effort to restore stability and security in the region

Russian envoy in conversation with Hamas urges release of Donbass native Kharkin

"The conversation focused primarily on the evolving situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated

Air defenses down 31 UAVs over Russian regions this night

Air defense assets on duty intercepted and destroyed 16 UAVs over the Voronezh Region

US court orders suspension of immigrant expulsions under 18th-century law — media

According to the newspaper, Judge James Boasberg ordered a suspension of migrant expulsions while the court reviews the legal validity of US President Donald Trump's use of the 18th-century law

US discussing with Ukraine what territories it will concede — Trump

In the US President's words, "phase one [in the reconciliation process] is the ceasefire"

Lavrov warns US biolabs pose deadly threat to enormous amount of people

According to Sergey Lavrov, the unearthed facts show the colossal scope of the US illegitimate activity to spread its military biological laboratories across the world

Putin-Trump meeting to occur once there is need — Kremlin aide

"We are preparing for the meeting, and it will be organized as soon as there is a need for it," he said

Belarus ready to put into service 2 Oreshnik launchers by end of year — Lukashenko

According to the president, it has not yet been decided where in Belarus to deploy the systems

Lavrov urges to halt use of force in Red Sea during talk with Rubio

The parties also "discussed specific issues regarding the implementation of the mutual understanding reached during the meeting of high-ranking Russian and US officials on February 18 in Riyadh. Sergey Lavrov and Marco Rubio agreed to maintain contact."

Danish lawmaker believes annexation of Greenland would cause war against US

Rasmus Jarlov referred to the meeting US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the White House on March 13

Russian forces hit energy facilities that support Ukraine's military-industrial complex

According to the ministry, Russian air defenses shot down seven JDAM bombs, three HIMARS rockets and 170 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones

Russia, Qatar have opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy — deputy PM

Denis Manturov also noted that Russia is open to discussing joint projects in the peaceful application of atomic technology, especially in the medical field

Trump expects Russia to agree to Ukrainian settlement deal

The US has had some pretty good news coming out of Russia, the American leader said

Russian forces liberate Rubanshchina, Zaoleshenka in Kursk Region

The ministry also emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces have lost more than 67,600 servicemen in total during the fighting in the Kursk Region

Trump authorizes military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen

Nine people have been killed and nine others injured in joint US and British airstrikes on Yemen, Al Mayadeen television reported

Russia’s North group of troops continues to move deep into Ukrainian defense line

Armed Forces of Ukraine lost up to 135 military personnel in one day due to the actions of Russia’s Vostok group of troops