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Middle East conflict

Israel's defense minister accuses Hamas of violating Gaza deal, raises military readiness

Israel Katz "instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare at the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario"

TEL AVIV, February 10. /TASS/. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Hamas announcement about suspending the release of hostages constitutes a violation of the ceasefire deal and said he ordered the military to prepare for "any scenario" in Gaza.

"The Hamas statement is a complete violation of the ceasefire deal and the agreement to release the abductees. I have instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare at the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect [Israeli border] settlements," the minister said, the Ynet news website reported.

US attacks Houthi targets in Yemen’s southwestern Saada governorate — TV

No data on casualties were provided

Europe uses idea of sending troops to Ukraine for blackmail to upset US-Russia talks-view

Vitaly Kiselev noted that reports from Russia’s sympathizers in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic indicate that local media are propagating the narrative that the Kiev forces have not surrendered Sudzha

Russia’s top security official thanks North Korea for solidarity on Ukraine

Sergey Shoigu emphasized that "Russia highly values the achieved level of strategic relations between the countries and is committed to deepen them"

US has considerable influence on Kiev, but weak on Moscow, expert says

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, in turn, told the newspaper that the US realizes that an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is unattainable

Tanks of Battlegroup Dnepr destroy strongholds of Kiev forces in Zaporozhye region

According to a tank commander with the call sign Veter, the Battlegroup Dnepr continues to carry out combat missions in the Zaporozhye direction, showing high efficiency and professionalism

Russia to invite US to meeting of high representatives on security issues — Shoigu

Sergey Shoigu noted that representatives from over 100 countries had already confirmed their participation in the upcoming meeting

Armenia to lose many privileges if it joins EU — Russia’s top security official

Sergey Shoigu recalled that money transfers from Russia into Armenia amount for approximately 15% of the country’s GDP

Kick-sharing services resumes operations in Moscow

E-scooters rental is available for users in mobile apps

Slovakia's prime minister says he may veto EU sanctions against Russia

Robert Fico reportedly made this statement before departing for Brussels, where he will attend a European Council meeting

UK to speed up work on forming 'peacekeeping force' for Ukraine — spokesman

Keir Starmer's spokesman added that UK military planners will meet next week to discuss the terms of reference for a potential Western military contingent in Ukraine

Kiev does not consider UN peacekeepers as alternative to security guarantees

Vladimir Zelensky said that "the UN will not have any mandate to protect Ukraine"

European Council fails to approve 5-billion-euro plan to supply weapons to Kiev

The final statement of the meeting makes no mention of the 40-billion-euro military aid package, proposed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, or its reduced variant

Confines of Ukraine deal already there, following contacts with Putin, Zelensky — Trump

The US leader also reiterated that the Ukrainian conflict would have never happened if he had been president in 2022

Russia has no plans to attack Germany — MFA on Merz's remarks

"If Berlin makes such claims, it means that Germany may have such plans itself; but in that case, Berlin needs to call things by their proper name," Maria Zakharova stated

Ovechkin's 888th goal helps Caps clinch playoff spot, now six away from Gretzky

Alexander Ovechkin now has 35 goals in 53 games this season

Putin orders establishment of unmanned aviation development center in Samara Region

A report on the implementation of the order must be submitted to the head of state by June 15

Press review: Israel restarts Gaza operation while US mulls lifting sanctions on Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 20th

Putin personally picks Russian negotiators for coming talks with US — Kremlin

The Russian delegation in the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh on Monday will be headed by Grigory Karasin and Sergey Beseda, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov announced earlier

Russian ambassador plans to depart to US ‘one of these days’ — ministry spokeswoman

Alexander Darchiyev, who headed the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North Atlantic Department, was appointed as Russia’s new ambassador to the United States by a presidential decree in early March

State Department believes world is just a ‘breath away’ from full ceasefire in Ukraine

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated 'that is what America has helped facilitate'

Superjet, MC-21 aircraft could be exported to friendly countries — expert

A prototype of the Superjet aircraft equipped with Russia-produced PD-8 engines completed its maiden flight on March 17

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

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

Many EU leaders oppose sending troops to Ukraine — news agency

Accoriding to the sources, most of the participants in the meeting of the "coalition of the willing" expressed their unwillingness to participate directly in sending forces to Ukraine, limiting themselves to offering support to those NATO countries that decide to deploy their troops there

Houthis claim missile strike on military target in Tel Aviv

Movement's military spokesman Yahya Saria added that ships linked to Israel will also be attacked in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden until it ends its operation in the Gaza Strip

UN chief ready to mediate Ukraine talks — deputy spokesperson

According to Farhan Haq, Antonio Guterres "made clear to his various interlocutors the willingness of the UN to make available its good offices, if the parties accept"

Battlegroup West destroys 3 Starlink stations, 25 UAV control points

Over the past 24 hours the group's units improved their tactical position, defeated the manpower and equipment of three mechanized brigades, an assault brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, a territorial defense brigade, and a national guard brigade

Navy development strategy to account for Ukraine operation experience — Maritime Board

The document is expected to contribute to the defense of Russia and the protection of its national interests in the World Ocean

Russia-US relations at recovery stage, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova pointed to the fact that these contacts received a new impetus thanks to the initiatives of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump

Zelensky admits Ukraine no longer being invited to NATO

At the same time, the Ukrainian president denied saying that he was ready "to discuss the question of Ukraine’s neutral status"

Russian air defenses destroy 1,113 Ukrainian UAVs, 28 JDAM bombs, 7 HIMARS rockets in week

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 658 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters

Slovakia insists on free will principle for EU military aid to Kiev — PM

Robert Fico noted that the republic will not send a single cent to arm Ukraine

Iran to give "heavy slap in face" to anyone who harms its people — Khamenei

According to Ali Khamenei, US and European politicians are seriously mistaken when they call resistance in the region Iran's proxy forces, since all countries that oppose Israel's aggression against the Palestinians have their own stance

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

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

Zelensky doing damage control after losing big in Jeddah talks — expert

Mikhail Pavliv explained that in Jeddah, the Americans got everything they wanted in the military aspect from Ukraine very quickly

Kiev already broke US-proposed ceasefire — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that attacking an energy facility in this context is understandable, 'because everything began with the energy sector in 2022'

Trump signs executive order to initiate elimination of Department of Education

The complete closure of the Department of Education requires the approval of a corresponding bill by Congress

Demand for Russian goods in China to be strong support for bilateral cooperation — expert

Xu Dingbos expressed confidence that changes in Sino-American relations do not threaten economic cooperation between China and Russia, which has "solid economic logic and foundations"

US arms deliveries to Kiev contradict intentions to achieve peace in Ukraine — diplomat

"Anyone who wants peace will naturally support an end to the militarization of the terrorist gang," Maria Zakharova stated

Russian forces take control of major Ukrainian stronghold near Kremennaya in LPR — expert

Russian fighters have so far taken a new foothold and are conducting a clearance operation, Andrey Marochko specified

Belgian PM warns confiscating Russian assets to be 'act of war'

The European Union, Canada, the United States and Japan froze $300 billion worth of Russia's assets after the start of the special military operation

US and Ukraine to sign resource agreement in near future — Trump

US president did not indicate when or where exactly the agreement would be signed

Trump fully supports Israel’s current military operation in Gaza — White House

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that previously Donald Trump threatened Palestine’s radical movement Hamas with tough measures if Israeli hostages are not released

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian sabotage of Sudzha gas metering station

The Ukrainian troops used the facility as a secure logistics point while the station was under their control

EU protracts conflict in Ukraine at any cost, ignoring calls for peace — European MP

Harald Vilimsky added that "the European Union is treating Hungary as if it does not exist"

Putin congratulates Coventry on her election as IOC president — Kremlin

The Russian leader is confident that Kirsty Coventry's personal athletic experience and interest in the real promotion of noble Olympic ideals will contribute to the success in such a responsible job

Russian investigators identify 43,000 people as victims of Ukraine's Kursk incursion

Forensic departments of Russia's Investigative Committee provide ongoing assistance to investigators during the inspection of the scenes and other investigative actions to document the crimes of Ukrainian militants against civilians, the agency specified

Ukraine's military intelligence chief identified as organizer of drone attacks on Russia

They have been charged in absentia and placed on the wanted list

Court convicts 46 Ukrainian soldiers for crimes in Kursk Region — Investigative Committee

Eight commanders of the Ukrainian Armed Forces brigades who participated in the attack on the Kursk Region were charged in absentia, the spokesperson said

Medvedev says return will be challenging for companies that left Russia

"Life has proved that those were true words. We did not chase anyone off, they left themselves, someone under pressure from their governments, someone out of fear, someone in solidarity with the neo-Nazis," the politician said

Issue of dividing Ukrainian territories being discussed right now — Trump

On March 3, Donald Trump described Vladimir Zelensky’s remark about the conflict being far from over as "the worst statement that could have been made"

Russian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over week

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 1,670 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 19 enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian aviation sector should express gratitude to sanctions — French expert

Russia is regaining independence in aviation sector, which is demonstrated by such projects as Superjet New, MC-21, new Il-96, Tu-214 and more, Cyril de Lattre noted

Summit on Ukraine to be held in Paris on March 27 — Macron

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that leading EU countries, including Germany, France and Poland, as well as non-EU countries Canada and the UK, will hold a new summit in Paris next week to discuss the situation around Ukraine

Russia’s top diplomat Lavrov receives highest state order as he turns 75

According to the Russian President's decree, the order was conferred to Sergey Lavrov to recognize his "outstanding services to the Fatherland, significant contribution to developing and implementing Russia’s foreign policy course, and years of dedicated activity as a statesman"

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 21% for third consecutive time

The Bank of Russia estimates that the achieved tightness of monetary conditions creates the necessary prerequisites for returning inflation to the target in 2026, the press release said

Preparations for Operation Flow in Kursk Region took three months — commander

About 500 Russian fighters moved through the pipe towards Sudzha

Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry becomes first female IOC president

The two-time Olympic champion will take office on June 24

Russia takes Macron's nuclear remarks very seriously — security official

According to Sergey Shoigu, "the very fact that a leader of a nuclear power is rattling weapons is a direct threat to the entire world community"

US is able to ensure that Kiev fulfills its agreements with Moscow — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova doubted that Washington would have a reason not to take advantage of these opportunities

Military expert slams Kiev's strikes on Russian gas facilities as acts of terrorism

Alexander Mikhailov noted that Zelensky understands his resignation is merely a matter of time

Western politicians obsessed with desire to militarize Europe at all costs — Kremlin

As Dmitry Peskov emphasized, the militarization of Europe is a very dangerous trend

Largest British air hub shut down until midnight due to power outage caused by fire

120 flights will need to divert due to the shutdown

Ukraine’s spy chief Budanov internationally wanted for plotting drone attacks on Russia

At least three criminal probes have been launched personally against Budanov, and judges have already ruled twice to arrest him in absentia

Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu arrives in North Korea

It is planned that Shoigu will meet with the leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un and other leaders of the country

Ukrainian troops 'cling' to Chasov Yar, unwilling to give up strategic height — DPR head·

"We see that the enemy 'clung' to Chasov Yar, realizing that this settlement is located on elevated ground, the dominant height, and in the future our units will have operational space in terms of advancing in a number of directions: to Kramatorsk, to Slavyansk, to Konstantinovka, so, of course, the enemy is impeded," Denis Pushilin said

Kremlin slams Kiev's accusations that Russia itself shelled Sudzha gas station as 'absurd'

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that such a statement "shows once again how much we can believe and trust the Kiev regime"

Failure of Kiev’s offensive in 2023 was conflict’s turning point — National Interest

"When the Ukrainian armed forces launched their offensive, they fell on Russia's defensive works - the largest and most comprehensive defensive line seen in Europe since the end of World War II," the magazine stated

Strike on Sudzha gas metering station shows real worth of Kiev's promises — Kremlin

In the early hours of March 21, the Ukrainian military blew up the Sudzha gas metering station, a key conduit through which Russian gas once flowed to Europe

Top Polish general says Europe weighing scenarios for ground operation in Ukraine

In Wieslaw Kukula's words, general staffs of European countries will be involved in the planning

Russia receives slew of people’s requests for resettlement from West — Zakharova

The Russian diplomat stressed that for most countries, Russia is becoming a "pioneer" that strives to defend vital things regardless of sanctions and restrictions, because they are universal

Kremlin welcomes Pashinyan's statement on strengthening ties with Russia

"It is a sovereign state, but we have a lot in common - both bilaterally, historically, and culturally," Dmitry Peskov said

Putin calls for technological leadership in unmanned aerial systems within five years

The Russian president also ordered to take measures providing for the use of solutions based on artificial intelligence in manufacturing and operation of drones

Kremlin says Europe becomes 'war party'

"The main signals from Brussels and the European capitals now relate to the plans for militarization of Europe, which is clearly at odds with the mood of the presidents of Russia and the United States to seek ways out for a peaceful settlement process," Dmitry Peskov said

Released Russian POWs report widespread torture, secret jails in Ukraine, Kursk — MFA

According to the report, the existence of these facilities is well known at all levels of the Ukrainian government

Local clashes with police occur near university in Ankara — TV

A haber TV channel showed that opposition Republican People's Party representatives tried to discuss ways for calming the aggressively-minded protesters with the police

EU summit participants support White Paper on the EU defense

The meeting participants instructed the European Commission and the EU Council to begin implementing the European Commission's proposals in practice

Russia to boost arms exports after special military operation — Security Council

This refers to air defense systems, strike drones and upgraded armored vehicles, Sergey Shoigu said

Poland’s exit from Ottawa Convention shows disregard for int'l obligations — Zakharova

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed that "Western countries are ready to abandon their international legal obligations at literally any moment - whenever they feel like it, whenever it suits them"

Britain may be behind explosion of Sudzha gas metering station — Russian politician

The destruction of the gas metering station in Sudzha by Ukrainian forces is a provocation designed to undermine the peace initiatives of US President Donald Trump, Sergey Mironov stated

Macron weakened French Air Force by transferring Mirage 2000 to Ukraine — French expert

"Mirage 2000-5Fs are equipped with specialized systems designed for intercepting threats over French territory, they are not intended for ground support," Cyrille de Lattre stressed

Trump says likes idea of Charles III’s 'secret offer'

The newspaper earlier pointed out that during Trump's potential state visit to the United Kingdom, Charles III could propose that the United States become a member of the British Commonwealth

FACTBOX: What we know about Ukraine's drone attack on Russia's Saratov Region

Air defenses downed 132 Ukrainian drones over Ukrainian regions overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Ukraine’s military stored foreign munitions in civilian hospital in Kursk Region

According to the report, the hospital itself suffered severely in the battles and its first floor burnt out

Macron's talk of sending 'peacekeepers' to Ukraine shows disconnect from reality — MFA

"We have repeatedly said that introduction of so-called peacekeepers into Ukraine in practice would mean a foreign military intervention that further escalates the conflict," Maria Zakharova stated

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

US intends to hold Russia-Ukraine ‘proximity’ talks in Riyadh — envoy Kellogg

According to US Special Envoy for Ukraine, 'it, basically, shuttle diplomacy'

Russia calls on Israel to stop expanding settlements in Palestine — Russian mission to UN

As Dmitry Polyansky underlined, he is convinced that "the Security Council can and must play a role in the negotiating process and make sure that its results are observed by all parties"

Russian forces strike military train with Ukrainian ammo, armament over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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

Russian forces not hitting Ukraine's energy sector, Putin's order in force — Kremlin

After talks with his US counterpart Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a halt to attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure

Security guarantees in Ukraine still under discussion — top Turkish diplomat

Hakan Fidan expressed hope that "the parties will come to an agreement on a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible"

Around world in 75 years: Sergey Lavrov celebrates milestone anniversary

Back in 2021, the minister said that he had visited about 150 states, but Russia was always the most attractive country for him

Chief of Russia’s General Staff inspects Battlegroup Center in special military operation

Army General Valery Gerasimov also presented state awards to the military personnel who had especially distinguished themselves in liberating the DPR and thanked them for their valor and courage displayed in the fulfillment of combat objectives

Press review: Moscow forms delegation for US talks as EU fails to approve aid for Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 21st

Trump is confident that Ukrainian conflict will be resolved

Speaking at the White House, the American leader noted that he had previously held telephone conversations with Russian President state Vladimir Putin, as well as with Vladimir Zelensky

Russian investigators open case over Ukrainian troops' blowing up of Sudzha gas station

The investigation established that on March 20, Ukrainian servicemen, having illegally entered Russian territory, intentionally detonated the Sudzha gas distribution station

Kiev forces lost 4 UAV control points in 24 hours due to actions of Battlegroup East

According to head of the group's press center, Alexander Gordeyev, during the active operations, units of the Battlegroup East continued to advance into the depths of the enemy's defense

Ukrainian troops forbade people in Kursk Region to evacuate to use them as human shield

The Ukrainian militants had previously acted in a similar way against civilians in the city of Mariupol and other settlements

UK discusses options for its military presence in Ukraine — prime minister

Keir Starmer argued that Russia could allegedly violate any future agreements, so Western countries should work on security guarantees for Ukraine

Russia stresses risk of rogue Ukrainian military groups disrupting any agreement with Kiev

They don't listen to Vladimir Zelensky, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the Kiev regime's crimes Rodion Miroshnik said