Middle East conflict

14 Feb, 09:40

Israel expects Hamas to submit names of hostages to be freed on February 15 — paper

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to send the list to David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, the source specified

TEL AVIV, February 14. /TASS/. Israel anticipates the radical Palestinian movement Hamas to provide a list of three hostages to be released on Saturday, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing an Israeli official.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to send the list to David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, the source specified. If the hostages are freed over the weekend, the truce-threatening crisis will be resolved, the newspaper noted.

On February 10, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military faction, announced a postponement 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.

On February 13, Hamas confirmed that it would comply with the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, including the timely exchange of hostages.

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 implement a ceasefire in Gaza and release hostages held in the enclave. The agreement, which includes three phases, entered into force on January 19. During the 42-day first phase of the deal, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. The last stage of the hostages' release took place on February 8: three Israelis returned home from Gaza, one of them has German citizenship. In return, Israel freed more than 180 Palestinian prisoners.

Europe is in crisis and losing itself — Republika Srpska President

Milorad Dodik noted that "representatives of the current Brussels mainstream no longer feel safe, and the Europe they were entrusted to govern has been lost"

Yesterday, 18:35

US would like to strike trade deal with China — Trump

The US leader said that he has "great respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping

Russian soldiers in Guyevo were confronted by Ukrainian elite units

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that units from the battle group North had liberated Guyevo

Yesterday, 17:30

Russian judokas cleared for 2025 European Judo Championship in Montenegro

The 2025 European Judo Championships will be held at the Moraca Sports Center in Podgorica, Montenegro, between April 23 and 27

Yesterday, 13:15

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfield, weapons depots over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

Two days ago, 15:45

US inconspicuously strengthens military presence in Poland — expert

According to Alexander Hoffmann, it is a direct consequence of NATO assuming the responsibilities for coordinating military assistance to Ukraine, a transition formalized during the summit in Washington last July

Yesterday, 16:13

US duties against China increased to 145% — CNBC

According to the source, 125% import duties in respect of Chinese products announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday do not account the 20% tariff set earlier by the US leader for allegedly insufficient efforts of Canadian, Mexican and Chinese governments in combating fentanyl spread

Russian defense chief sets task to outline process of development of robots for army

The defense ministry ordered the relevant officials and the organizations to determine the order of developing ground-based systems and address their flaws based on the current needs of the army

7 Apr 2024, 06:54

Azerbaijan says its positions on border with Armenia shelled

The Armenian armed forces shelled 16 times with small arms of various calibers, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 10:58

IN BRIEF: What we know about prisoner swap between Russia, United States

TASS has compiled the key details about the exchange

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

US may extend its pause in lifting import tariffs — Trump

President Donald Trump said that we'll have to see what happens at that time, answering the question whether the three-month pause announced on April 9 may be extended at the end of that period

US State Department confirms ambassador to Ukraine to resign

Bridget Brink was ambassador at the embassy in Ukraine for three years

Yesterday, 16:05

US oil supplies to China set to decline to almost zero due to Trump tariffs — Bloomberg

Crude supplies from the US "are by no means vital to China" - in the early months of this year added up to roughly 1% of the Asian nation’s total imports, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa Ltd, the agency reported

Actor Richard Chamberlain died at age of 90

According to him, the actor died on March 29 in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications following a stroke

Possible US-Iran conflict to entail dire consequences — Russia’s deputy foreign minister

Andrey Rudenko clarified that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran is not a military alliance

Yesterday, 15:58

Louvre now proud holder of icon once owned by Nicholas II

The Louvre noted that "this icon will be the centerpiece of the museum's new department, given its historical significance and the fact that it is the work of one of the most renowned jewelers of the House of Faberge"

Yesterday, 18:14

Russian stock market indices rising on Thursday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index added 4.29% to 2,764.28 points, while the RTS Index edged up by 5.61% to 1,024.29 points

Belarusian president calls US-China tensions 'explosive'

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus and Russia, as part of the Union State, need to keep their eyes on other conflicts as well

Two days ago, 22:36

Serbia to always value Russia’s contribution to fight against Nazism — deputy PM

"We are not a nation that will forget that Serbia as it is today would have never existed if Russia had not sacrificed at least one life for our each victim for freedom - in the wars against the Ottoman Empire, during World Wars I and II," he said.

Yesterday, 17:22

Western countries know nothing about democracy — Lukashenko

"No matter how much the Americans, the French, and others try to pretend otherwise, they’re not just spreading propaganda – it goes beyond that," the Belarusian leader stressed

Two days ago, 14:19

Beijing won’t make concessions in trade war with Trump, US needs China — expert

Zhang Weiwei also claimed that in the first round of the trade war, 90% of the US tariffs against China were paid by American companies and consumers

Yesterday, 12:48

Israel confirms holding direct talks with Turkey in Azerbaijan

The Jewish side expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for organizing the meeting

Yesterday, 12:14

Russian army hits two Ukrainian repair sites with Geran UAVs — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, one of the strikes hit a large industrial facility used by the Ukrainian army to repair military equipment

Yesterday, 17:10

US-China tensions very serious, even explosive — Lukashenko

"The Chinese somehow manage to smooth it out and keep this tension under control," the Belarusian president noted

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

Yesterday, 15:26

Breakthrough Russian allergy vaccine could hit market by 2026 — FMBA

According to the statement, all pre-clinical trials for the vaccine are nearing completion, with its safety and effectiveness already confirmed, and the manufacturing process laid down

Respite for Ukrainian forces on battlefield unacceptable — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the true intention of France and the UK, which came up with a plan for Ukraine, was to prevent a collapse of the front line for Ukrainian forces

Yesterday, 13:34

Zhuravka liberation brings Russian troops closer to Ukrainian army’s hub in Sumy Region

Yunakovka is a logistics hub for the Ukrainian army to supply its combat group in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region

Yesterday, 16:33

Azerbaijan’s president says Western organizations plotted coups in his county

Ilham Aliyev noted that in 2005, there was an attempt to organize an "orange revolution" in Azerbaijan under the auspices of the US Department of State

Two days ago, 19:21

Russian MFA mocks Macron's shifting rhetoric, blames it on 'atmospheric pressure'

Maria Zakharova went on to say that before French President "started opening his nuclear umbrella over everyone, he was saying that he absolutely needed a place at the negotiating table"

Yesterday, 14:35

Western countries discuss sending troops to Ukraine after ceasefire

Although the US is absent from the meeting, NATO structures are actively involved in the discussion, especially on how to improve Kiev's capabilities on the battlefield, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pointed out

Yesterday, 12:19

Russia to fight for right to assets frozen in Europe — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted at a briefing that while the Kremlin is aware of some EU countries’ position, this does not represent a broader shift in Europe’s overall stance on the issue

Yesterday, 16:43

Russian foreign trade balance up 2.72% in 2M 2025 — Customs

Exports to European countries decreased to $9.1 bln, down 9.2%, while imports lost 9.3% to $9.7 bln

Two days ago, 16:03

EU moves to sanction Serbian Deputy PM Vulin over Wednesday remarks — TASS source

According to the source, the procedure should be completed within a few days

Yesterday, 12:47

Bodies of 9 civilians found in Russia’s Kursk Region after Ukrainian shelling — agency

It has been established that no later than March, Ukrainian servicemen deliberately shelled residential houses in the village of Makhnovka

20 Feb 2023, 14:30

Merkel confirms that Minsk agreements were meant to give Ukraine 'more time'

The pranksters telephoned the ex-chancellor on behalf Ukraine’s former Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko

Yesterday, 14:32

West is trying to pave way for its agents of influence — Russian legislator

Vasily Piskarev pointed out that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recently adopted yet another anti-Russian resolution titled Foreign Interference as a Threat to Democratic Security in Europe

Yesterday, 15:41

Russia stresses priority of diplomatic property return in US — ambassador

Alexander Darchiev underlined that "the sides showed their mutual readiness to work on a corresponding roadmap"

Two days ago, 20:15

Trump says ready for fair trade deals with China, other countries

"We have $36 trillion of debt for a reason. We don't have a debt for fun. And people took advantage of our country, and they ripped us off for decades," the US leader emphasized

Yesterday, 18:05

Treaty between Minsk, Moscow guarantees absolute security to Belarus — Lukashenko

According to the Belarusian president, "the Poles, Baltic countries, and so on, had their own plans but now they are quiet"

Belarusian president warns trade war could escalate into military confrontation

He pointed to the Houthi situation as an example of how conflicts can spiral

Yesterday, 07:48

Russian Pacific Fleet warships wrap up visit to India

The Russian Navy was represented in the drills by the Pacific Fleet’s corvettes Rezky and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and medium sea tanker Pechenga

Yesterday, 13:35

Urals oil price drops below $50 per barrel first since June 2023

The price of Urals oil was last below $50 per barrel on June 12, 2023

Yesterday, 10:49

Ukrainian troops trapped between Dzerzhinsk and Dimitrov in Donetsk region, says DPR

Russian forces have made considerable gains in the area of Sukhaya Balka, including the settlements of Aleksandropol, Panteleymonovka and Valentinovka where Ukrainian troops are under intense pressure

Yesterday, 17:29

Russian wrestlers do country proud at European championship, rack up five golds — coach

The 2025 European Wrestling Championship is being held in Bratislava, Slovakia from April 7-13

Yesterday, 04:46

Residents evacuated from frontline village in DPR

It took several hours for soldiers of Russia’s Battlegroup East to rescue these people

Yesterday, 13:19

Foreigners to be allowed staying in Russia on electronic visa twice longer — PM

The permitted stay will be 30 days instead of 16

Two days ago, 06:39

Russian forces fighting to liberate last two communities in Kursk Region — defense source

Fierce battles continue in the village of Gornal and the farmstead Oleshnya

Yesterday, 13:33

Russia adapting its logistics system to achieve economic independence — official

In the current environment, international transport corridors play an increasingly important role in maintaining stable export-import and transit cargo flows across the Russian territory, Nikolay Patrushev pointed out

5 Mar 2022, 15:57

Since 2014 13,000-14,000 have been killed in Donbass — Putin

The Russian leader believes what is particularly intolerable is the so-called civilized West has preferred not to notice this for eight years

Yesterday, 16:45

IN BRIEF: What to know about outcome of Russia-US talks in Istanbul

The second round of consultations on normalizing the operation of their embassies lasted five and a half hours

Yesterday, 16:22

Russia can take part in construction of Sri Lanka’s energy facilities — Energy Ministry

"We consider Sri Lanka as a promising partner in the energy sphere; our talks were meaningful," Russian Deputy Minister Roman Marshavin said

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

Yesterday, 18:11

Russian-US consultations make headway in normalizing work of embassies — ambassador

Alexander Darchiev confirmed that the delegations of Russia and the United States gave each other guarantees on the maintenance of diplomatic missions in both countries

Yesterday, 10:39

Crime in the making: Diplomat slams EU diplomacy chief’s words about frozen Russian assets

"I think this gives us a unique opportunity to analyze a crime before it was committed, not just after," Maria Zakharova said

US seeks release of Hubbard, other Americans detained in Russia — State Department

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that the US swapped Russian Artur Petrov for Russian-American Ksenia Karelina

Helicopter crashes into river in New York — police

At least six people have died, the Associated Press news agency reported

Yesterday, 18:00

US committed to settling differences with Iran diplomatically — State Department

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce added that the current American administration is determined to solve the problem "through conversations, summits and discussions, so that that is really the hallmark of this administration"

Yesterday, 17:57

Lavrov's visit to Astana aimed at preparing most important events — Foreign Ministry

On April 10, during a working visit to Kazakhstan, the Russian foreign minister held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu

Europe is in crisis and losing itself — Republika Srpska President

Milorad Dodik noted that "representatives of the current Brussels mainstream no longer feel safe, and the Europe they were entrusted to govern has been lost"

Yesterday, 18:01

Apple ships 1.5 mln iPhones out of India to avoid US tariffs — Reuters

According to sources, Apple has chartered six cargo planes to ship 600 tons of gadgets

Yesterday, 17:13

Airliner with 41 people on board skids off runway in Arctic Russia, no casualties

The aircraft was scheduled to fly to Arkhangelsk

Yesterday, 08:10

Russian troops completing mop-up operation in outskirts of Guyevo in Kursk area

"Our fighters are completing mopping up forest belts in the outskirts of Guyevo where hundreds of bodies of destroyed Ukrainian soldiers and military hardware can be seen," the source said

Yesterday, 14:43

Russia's position on Balkans may help prevent negative developments in region — president

Milorad Dodik noted that in March, some European representatives began discussing a potential change in the role of EUFOR Althea, the EU military mission operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Yesterday, 11:01

EU cracks down on dissent, defies democracy it once lectured Russia on — Kremlin

"They are departing from the very standards of democracy they have long proclaimed and sought to impart to other nations, including us," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 19:09

US hopes to reach agreement with Russia, Ukraine soon — Trump

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on April 7 that President Vladimir Putin supports a ceasefire in Ukraine, but before that some issues have to be resolved, which for now are hanging in the air

Yesterday, 13:22

Soyuz MS-26 crew set to return to Earth on April 20 — Roscosmos

The crew will consist of Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Donald Pettit

US may banish Chinese companies from American stock exchanges — Fox Business journalist

Shares of more than 300 Chinese companies are traded on the American stock exchanges, including Alibaba, Sinopec, JD.com and NetEase

Yesterday, 10:57

Kremlin dismisses Zelensky’s accusations of Russia dragging China into Ukraine conflict

"China has always maintained a very balanced position," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 09:04

Russia dismisses innuendos about nonexistent threat by Bosnia’s top diplomat — diplomat

Maria Zakharova criticized Elmedin Konakovic’s statement as "clumsy to say the least"

Two days ago, 09:33

France, UK preparing military intervention in Odessa — Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the proposed "coalition of the willing" as nothing more than "a meme"

Two days ago, 15:30

Vulin tells European Parliament Serbia 'will never go to war with Russia'

"For 20 years, we've been fulfilling every wish and demand of the EU, and then we're told that the next full members of the EU, without meeting a single condition, are Ukraine and Moldova," the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister said

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: US and China launch trade war while Russia and the US hold new talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 10th

Yesterday, 16:23

Aeroflot denies Moscow-Denpasar airliner’s return to Sheremetyevo due to faulty engine

"Under flight safety rules, the commander of that flight decided to return to the airport of departure after one of the plane’s systems activated a sensor unrelated to the engines," the statement reads

Yesterday, 11:56

Russian troops liberate over 4 sq km near Zaporozhye Region's Kamenskoye — politician

Vladimir Rogov said that the Russian forces are holding the initiative, and the advance continues

Yesterday, 15:56

Pentagon sees threat to US in Russia, China, DPRK strengthening cooperation

"Together, these countries’ growing ties create a complex, interconnected challenge to US national security and regional stability," US Indo-Pacific Command chief Samuel Paparo noted

Yesterday, 16:00

Circulation of cash in Russia gains 5.1% in 2024 — Central Bank

The largest movement of cash involved individuals depositing and withdrawing money at physical bank locations, the regulator said

Yesterday, 14:57

Paris aware of Ukraine’s military industry collapse, calls for more aid to Kiev — expert

Alexander Stepanov confirmed that Russia regularly carried out precision strikes against these enterprises, including with Iskander missiles and Geran drones, in an effort to hurt Ukraine’s arms production

US hopes Witkoff's meeting with Iranian representative to lead to peace — top diplomat

According to him, it will be an "important meeting"

Yesterday, 12:52

Russian-US consultations conclude in Istanbul after almost six hours

The meeting ended without any press statements

Yesterday, 17:35

Ansar Allah leader says US could not weaken Houthi military capabilities

"The Americans could neither ensure secure navigation for the Israeli adversary, nor halt projectile and drone attacks against it," the Houthi leader stressed

27 Dec 2016, 11:32

Hollywood star Mickey Rourke may hold boxing bout in Russia next year

In November of 2014, Rourke defeated 29-year-old American Elliot Seymour in an exhibition boxing match in Moscow

No serious changes in US-Russia relations without ceasefire in Ukraine — State Department

Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that interaction is necessary to achieve any result

Yura Borisov signs with one of biggest US talent agencies — report

The agency describes its clients as people whose voices and vision define culture and shape the world

Yesterday, 10:36

China not to tolerate intimidation by US, to follow through to the end — commerce ministry

"Pressure, threats, and blackmail are not acceptable ways to cooperate with the People’s Republic of China," Chinese commerce ministry’s spokesperson He Yongqian stressed

Two days ago, 17:24

Brussels demands Serbian president remove deputy PM from next cabinet — TASS source

Earlier on Wednesday, the Serbian deputy prime minister told the European Parliament that Serbia will never go to war with Russia in exchange for EU membership

Yesterday, 16:38

South Korea imposes sanctions against Russian company over alleged North Korea trade

The sanctions apply to an unregistered vessel called the Sunrise 1, operated by the Hong Kong-based company Xiangrui Shipping, as well as two Chinese citizens who work as managers at the shipping company

Expansion of cooperation between Russia, US not discussed in Istanbul — State Department

According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, it is a technical meeting

Yesterday, 18:07

Russian, US delegations state need to immediately eliminate 'irritants' — envoy

"The Russian side emphasized the importance of the prompt return of Moscow's diplomatic property seized by the US authorities," Alexander Darchiev said

Yesterday, 17:06

WHO's claims of looming pandemic overblown, says Russian expert

According to Vladimir Nikiforov, there is no evidence supporting the idea that a pandemic will break out in the near future

Russian troops liberate Katerinovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day

Two days ago, 14:41

MFA shocked by Ukraine offering ‘safaris’ to foreign nationals

Maria Zakharova stressed that "the Kiev regime has long turned war into a business"

Yesterday, 15:33

Trump's trade wars will strengthen 'economic symbiosis' of Russia and China — envoy

Boris Titov noted that Donald Trump has put the trade war with the entire world on hold, focusing on the confrontation with China

Russian economy attractive to western investors — minister

Maksim Reshetnikov pointed to a high current level of real interest rates in the Russian economy, which means that financial investments are attractive amid stable external trade turnover and steady exchange rate

Yesterday, 07:46

Some EU countries strongly oppose use of Russian assets for Ukraine’s needs — top diplomat

Kaja Kallas declined to name those countries

Gold futures climb above $3,200 per troy ounce, first time since April 2

By 1:48 a.m. Moscow time, gold had extended its gains, trading at $3,212 per ounce, a 2.24% increase

Yesterday, 17:02

Out of US prison, Russia’s Petrov says he misses home in a video from security agency

The video also shows Arthur Petrov getting off the plane by airstairs after landing in Russia

Yesterday, 08:19

Kursk legislators unanimously accept city mayor’s resignation

The legislators appointed Deputy Mayor Sergey Kotlyarov to serve as the city’s acting head

Medvedev calls Russia's latest missiles best cure for Russophobia

The politician said that Russophobia stems from "bipolar affective exaggeration of Russia’s influence on the life of Europe and Europeans" and alternates between manic and depressive phases

Yesterday, 13:07

Russia to harshly respond to Japan's participation in supplying Kiev with weapons — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that any steps by Japan to directly or indirectly participate in supplying Ukraine with arms and military equipment would be regarded as unequivocally hostile