Middle East conflict

13 Feb, 13:09

Hamas to release hostages on schedule, adhering to Gaza ceasefire deal

Hamas also emphasized that during talks, its representatives stressed "the need to fulfill all conditions of the deal," especially the delivery of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza

CAIRO, February 13. /TASS/. The Palestinian militant group Hamas assured that it will comply with the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, including the timely exchange of hostages, the movement stated on its Telegram channel following discussions with mediators.

"A negotiating delegation led by Hamas leader in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya held talks with the head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service, Hassan Rashad, in Cairo. There was also a phone call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani <...> The consultations proved successful. Hamas confirms that it continues to meet the terms of the agreement, including exchanging captives [hostages for prisoners] within the agreed timeframe," the group said.

Hamas also emphasized that during talks, its representatives stressed "the need to fulfill all conditions of the deal," especially the delivery of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hamas demands that temporary housing such as tents and trailers, as well as machinery for clearing rubble, fuel, and medicines, be delivered to the enclave. The mediators reassured the militants that they would "ensure these requests are addressed."

Egypt's Al-Qahira Al-Ekhbariya TV channel later reported that Cairo and Doha had resolved the issues that might have impeded the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. According to the channel's source, "both sides [Israel and Hamas] will adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement."

On February 10, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military faction, announced a delay in the release of the next batch of hostages scheduled for February 15. The movement claimed Israel violated the agreement by "delaying the return of displaced people from the south of the enclave to the north, opening fire on Gaza civilians, and failing to ensure the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid."

On February 11, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of renewed military action in Gaza if Hamas did not release the Israeli hostages by noon on February 15.

US, Russia work on moratorium on strikes on ships in Black Sea — White House

Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff noted that so far the sides have agreed to stop strikes on energy facilities

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

Two days ago, 09:43

Ukrainians residing in Poland started receiving summonses — Strana

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

Yesterday, 20:34

Belarus to soon hand over to Russia several vehicles for installing Oreshnik missiles

Security Council State Secretary Alexander Volfovich informed that the country 'has already prepared places for the placement of this missile system'

Two days ago, 15:30

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

Yesterday, 23:23

US strikes Houthi facilities in Yemen’s Saada province — TV

According to the report, US forces target sites in the Majiz district

Yesterday, 20:41

Putin reiterates his commitment to peaceful resolution in Ukraine in phone talk with Trump

The Russian president also reiterated that ways out of the conflict should take into consideration 'the absolute necessity of removing the root causes of the crisis'

US expects Ukraine to support Russia-US agreements

Steven Witkoff said that the sides "have some details to work out, of course," but "that will begin on Sunday in Jeddah"

Trump points to several calls with Putin held in recent weeks

In response to a question, the US president confirmed that it had not been made public before

Yesterday, 15:05

Putin criticizes self-serving Western legal systems

As the Russian president noted, the countries that keep their reserve funds in the West are concerned about the future of these assets

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

23 Sep 2013, 04:38

China acquires 50-year lease for 3 mln hectares of Ukraine’s farmlands

China leases around 2 million hectares of farmlands abroad

Yesterday, 20:44

World has become safer place after Putin-Trump call, says top Hungarian diplomat

According to Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, the Russian and US presidents have taken a big step toward peace

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

Houthis report new attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

The attack involved "several cruise missiles and drones"

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"

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

Two days ago, 10:29

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

Zelensky becomes destroyer for Ukraine — Medvedchuk

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

Two days ago, 10:00

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

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

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

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

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

Two days ago, 09:23

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 set to engage with Putin, despite discontent of his allies — expert

"The question now is will the government of Ukraine accept the proposal or seek to modify it? Betting would be the proposal is accepted so that the process of negotiations may continue - and President Trump will be satisfied," John Kavulich said

Yesterday, 17:37

Russia can cooperate on rare-earth metals with US, other countries — special envoy

As Kirill Dmitriev added, the US has interest to cooperate in all spheres

Yesterday, 18:16

Peace in Ukraine promises economic deals for Russia, the US — White House

US leader Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed that a future with improved relations between Moscow and Washington "has huge upside"

Conflict in Ukraine can lead to World War Three —Trump

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

Two days ago, 14:42

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

Zelensky effectively admits Kiev not yet complying with ‘energy infrastructure ceasefire’

Zelensky specified that "energy facilities, infrastructure facilities" should be included in the list of objects subject to the ceasefire

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)

Yesterday, 21:24

UK premier’s office welcomes results of Putin-Trump conversation

At the same time, the UK government also insisted negotiations must lead to a 'just and lasting peace for Ukraine' and pledged to 'stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes'

Yesterday, 17:58

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

Yesterday, 15:29

Trump hopes to achieve peace in Ukraine in shortest possible time — White House

Special Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields stressed that "President Trump means business"

Yesterday, 13:31

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

Yesterday, 03:59

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

Trump says he and Putin did not discuss West’s military aid to Kiev

The US President noted that the leaders of the two countries "talked about a lot"

Western business wants to know what will happen next to sanctions against Russia — expert

According to Randi Levinas, for Western companies "Russia is not a simple commercial decision"

Yesterday, 20:59

Putin, Trump can agree on establishing cooperative relations — ex US congressman

Dennis Kucinich told TASS that 'the world will benefit from all efforts made by our two great countries in the cause of peace'

Yesterday, 08:05

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

Kremlin aide admits Ukraine will cease to exist in 2025

According to Nikolay Patrushev, the fact that the forced coercion to neo-Nazi ideology and fervent Russophobia eliminate Ukrainian cities that used to flourish is particularly alarming

Two days ago, 13:33

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

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

Expert calls cooperation between Russia, US against China unfeasible

Zhang Weiwei called Russia and China "civilization states"

Conflict in Ukraine will stop if sanctions placed on country’s oligarchs — Musk

"That is the key to the puzzle," he wrote on the X social network

Yesterday, 10:00

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

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

Yesterday, 12:12

FACTBOX: Contacts between Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump

The first telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump took place on November 14, 2016, following Trump’s victory in the US presidential election and prior to his inauguration

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

Yesterday, 21:02

‘Hockey puck’ in play — diplomat referring to Russia-US talks

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that 'the European Union was repeating that ‘the ball is in Moscow’s court'

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

Trump leads way towards peace — US secretary of state on Russia-US talks

Putin and Trump held a phone conversation on March 18, in which they discussed the 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

Hotline between Moscow and Washington remains in place — Peskov

"There has long been direct communication and a hotline between the US and Russian presidents, as well as video communication when needed," the Kremlin spokesman said

Yesterday, 20:56

US, Russia agree to begin talks on resolving Ukraine conflict in Middle East — White House

According to the readout released by Washington, the two leaders agreed 'that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire'

Yesterday, 23:06

Russia notes progress in bilateral relations with US — foreign ministry spokeswoman

The Maria Zakharova also noted "attempts on the part of the United States to intensify

Ukrainian shelling attack on Gorlovka leaves 11 civilians injured

Earlier, the mayor reported nine injured

Yesterday, 14:34

About 19,000 hectares, 370 km of roads, 6,700 buildings demined in Kursk border area

According to Lieutenant-General Yury Stavitsky, the number of bomb disposal specialists in the Kursk Region will be maximized to 1,000

Yesterday, 11:29

Poll reveals 76% of Ukrainians frustrated, embarrassed, outraged with current authorities

According to the results of the poll, the Ukrainians polled who said that they lack confidence in Vladimir Zelensky feel negative emotions towards him: 55% of respondents are frustrated with him, while 35% feel outrage and resentment

Yesterday, 11:44

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

Falling drone fragments spark fire at south Russian oil storage facility

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties

Yesterday, 07:45

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

Yesterday, 18:35

Putin, Trump agree on need for lasting peace in Ukraine — White House

According to the Kremlin press service, during the call, Vladimir Putin reiterated his principled commitment to a lasting peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

Yesterday, 23:24

Four volunteers wounded in Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk Region

One of the wounded was a priest

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

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

Yesterday, 15:09

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

Yesterday, 16:39

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, 17:19

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

Yesterday, 19:29

Ukrainian troops attempt five attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region during day

The Russian defense ministry said that up to 200 Ukrainian militants and 29 combat vehicles, including five tanks, 16 armored combat vehicles, three obstacle removal vehicles, an UR-77 mine clearing system, and four automobiles, were involved

Yesterday, 11:58

Ukraine switches from being US ally to customer, Kiev official says — media

A Ukrainian government source told the magazine that developments in the Kursk Region simply coincided with Trump’s decisions on the Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, 19:53

Trump calls his today’s conversation with Putin ‘very good and productive’

The Kremlin press service reported earlier that the two leaders discussed the issue of Ukraine in detail and frankly

Russian official skeptical US will really halt counterintelligence ops against Moscow

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

Yesterday, 23:22

Russia, US managed to de-escalate Ukraine conflict for first time in 3 years — Sacks

US investor said the sides managed to agree on an energy infrastructure ceasefire, which he described

Previous US administration deceived and destroyed Ukraine — Russian diplomat

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

Two days ago, 17:43

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

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

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

Yesterday, 20:18

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

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

Two days ago, 08:14

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

Yesterday, 18:22

Putin’s response to Trump’s idea on maritime traffic in Black Sea constructive

"It was decided to launch talks to address specific details of such an agreement," the Kremlin emphasized

Yesterday, 19:34

Russian forces repel all Ukraine’s attacks on Belgorod Region — defense ministry

The Russian defense ministry said that the Russian border was not violated

Zelensky wants to talk with Trump after US president’s conversation with Putin

Zelensky claimed that the Kiev government "has always supported" the idea that power infrastructure sites should not be targeted

Yesterday, 14:00

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

Chinese expert sees more influence in Putin-Trump agreements than Ukraine’s ceasefire plan

According to Zheng Rongyu, through the achievement of quite specific and feasible results, Russia will improve its international posture, by creating conditions for reducing the pressure and easing the sanctions in the future

No reciprocity on Kiev's part to refrain from strikes on energy facilities — Kremlin

The Defense Ministry characterized the Ukrainian strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure as a premeditated provocation "aimed at undermining the US president's peace initiatives"

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"

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

Yesterday, 15:42

US treasury secretary says Trump instructed him to review sanctions policy

Scott Bessent said that the previous US administration's restrictions on Russia were extremely ineffective, as ex-President Joe Biden feared rising energy prices in the United States

US sees need for EU participation in Ukraine talks — agency

So far, Trump "has largely excluded Europe from his conversations with Ukraine and Russia" the news agency points out

Victory of common sense in Washington made Russia-US dialogue possible — diplomat

According to Andrey Kelin, it is possible that Washington may in the future ease restrictions that affect US companies and hamper their work in Russia

Putin to address collegium of Russian Prosecutor General’s Office

Last year, the collegium convened four days after the attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue

Yesterday, 23:14

Ambassador Kelin calls UK’s Russian policies ‘hostile’

Andrey Kelin recalled that United Kingdom intended to bring down the Russian threat

Two days ago, 08:53

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

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"

Yesterday, 13:40

Ukrainian army withdraws in area in DPR — army general

Sergey Nayev earlier served as commander of the Ukrainian Joint Forces

Yesterday, 17:40

Putin, Trump to continue efforts toward Ukrainian settlement — Kremlin

According to the statement, the measures also include "taking into account the US president’s proposals"