Middle East conflict

10 Feb, 15:20

Over 48,200 Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip since October 2023 — Health Ministry

The ministry added that over the past 24 hours, medics in the Gaza Strip removed 14 bodies from under the rubble, and 15 wounded Palestinians were brought to hospitals

CAIRO, February 10. /TASS/. More than 48,200 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip due to the actions of the Israeli military since the beginning of the escalation in the enclave in October 2023, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported.

According to the agency, "the death toll has reached 48,208 since the start of Israel’s military operation, while 111,655 were injured." The ministry added that over the past 24 hours, medics in the Gaza Strip removed 14 bodies from under the rubble, and 15 wounded Palestinians were brought to hospitals.

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following an incursion of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7, 2023, accompanied by killings of residents of Israeli settlements near the border and taking hostages. Hamas regards the attack as a response to Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel declared a complete siege of the Gaza Strip and started delivering strikes on that area and parts of Lebanon and Syria. That was followed by an Israeli ground operation in the enclave.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on January 15 that thanks to the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement to hold a ceasefire in Gaza and release hostages held in the enclave. During the 42-day first phase of the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. The ceasefire came into force on January 19.

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

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

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

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

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

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"

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

Yesterday, 03:32

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

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

Exercise Zapad-2025 does not pose threat to other countries — Belarusian Security Council

Alexander Volfovich noted that these exercises have been held regularly since 2009, occurring every two years in alternating locations in Belarus and Russia

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

Yesterday, 18:29

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

Two days ago, 23:37

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

Two days ago, 08:42

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.

Yesterday, 15:22

Putin, Trump expected to talk next week — Witkoff

Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming discussion

US to exit international center on ‘investigating’ Russia’s actions in Ukraine — NYT

Washington will officially announce this decision today, the sources said

Russia no longer willing to rotate IAEA experts at ZNPP via Ukraine — diplomat

Mikhail Ulyanov stressed that the rotation on February 12 "was completely derailed when heavy weapons were used against the convoy"

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

Russia, Tajikistan setting new technological chains — Rosatom

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

External instigators of protests in Serbia tried to organize revolution — Russian envoy

According to Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, the West is "trying to show that it has nothing to do with it"

Yesterday, 13:38

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

Two die, 19 wounded after Israel’s strike on Syria’s Daraa city

Musk says humanity to start colonizing Mars in five to seven years

According to the US entrepreneur, the main question is whether the current level of technological development is enough to ensure the autonomous existence and development of human civilization on Mars

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

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'

German gas reserves in storage facilities drop below 30%

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

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

IAEA keeps mum about social media intimidation against ZNPP staff — Russian diplomat

For this reason, Mikhail Ulyanov continued, the IAEA Secretariat refrains from speaking out in any way about this issue

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"

Putin, Rahmon to meet for talks in Moscow on Monday

The two leaders are expected to exchange opinions on pressing regional issues

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

Europe must cut social spending to boost military budget — FT

According to the publication, a return to the level of military spending in the 1980s will require a change in budget policy and an increase in government borrowing

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

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

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

Russia liberates 8 sq km near Zaporozhye's Stepovoye, takes its eastern part — politician

The Russian troops are actively advancing toward the west in this settlement

Russian army begins fighting for Volnoye Pole near DPR-Zaporozhye border — politician

Vladimir Rogov earlier told TASS that the Russian army had driven Ukrainian forces out of the DPR’s settlement of Privonloye on February 28

11 Apr 2024, 06:48

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

17 May 2023, 18:47

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

EU approves payment of 3.5 bln euros to Kiev as part of macrofinancial assistance program

"With this third disbursement, Ukraine will have received close to 20 billion euros under the Ukraine Facility since its entry into force a year ago," the statement reads

Two days ago, 11:23

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 hits Ukrainian contingent in Sumy Region with Iskander missiles

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

Gas reserves in European UGS facilities drop to 35%

The last season of gas withdrawal from European underground storage facilities ended on March 31, 2024, when 58.44% of reserves remained in them, which is a record for the period of observation

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

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

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

Putin met Trump’s special envoy Witkoff late on Thursday — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov did not specify the topics that Putin and Witkoff had discussed

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

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

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"

Ukrainians residing in Poland started receiving summonses — Strana

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

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

12 Sep 2022, 01:40

Non-residents to be allowed to trade on Moscow Exchange’s equities market

Operations will be able to be performed by clients from countries that are not unfriendly, and non-residents controlled by Russian legal entities or individuals

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

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

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

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

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

Trump certain Russia, US can agree on Ukrainian reconciliation

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

Yesterday, 06:43

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

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

Two days ago, 19:01

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

Yesterday, 01:55

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

18 Dec 2024, 11:51

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

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"

Two days ago, 20:49

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

French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to be a military observer mission

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

Violence against protestors in Belgrade unacceptable — Russian envoy

"Our position is that it is unacceptable to resort to violence, composure is necessary," Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko said

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

EU readying military package of at least 20 bln euro for Ukraine — Hungary’s top diplomat

Instead, Hungary favors negotiations between Russia and the United States to resolve the Ukraine conflict, Peter Szijjarto explained

Trump says US strikes on Iran-backed Houthis may extend beyond Yemen

On March 15, the US started to carry out massive strikes on Houthi facilities in Yemen based on an order from Donald Trump

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

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

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

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

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

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

18 Apr 2019, 15:26

Russia views military base in Tajikistan as stability factor in region

Chief of the base’s Artillery Staff Alexander Levin noted that he situation in Afghanistan poses a threat both to the region’s stability and to international security

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"

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

Mass anti-government protests took place in Belgrade on Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

The list also includes topical agenda issues

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"

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

Russia, Tajikistan to boost trade turnover by 2.5 times by 2030 — Putin

Russia has already become one of top foreign trade partners of Tajikistan, the president said

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, 20:06

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

Yesterday, 18:46

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