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Middle East conflict

Israel won’t allow establishment of Palestinian state — top defense official

It would endanger Israel's existence, Israel Katz said

TEL AVIV, February 17. /TASS/. Israel will not agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state as it would endanger its own existence, Defense Minister Israel Katz said at a meeting with an American delegation.

"Israel will never agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger its (Israel's - TASS) existence. Israel's priorities are clear: preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, the release of all hostages, the elimination of Hamas in Gaza, and then an agreement [on normalization] with Saudi Arabia," Katz said. The top defense official added that "[US President Donald] Trump's [Gaza] plan is the only one that can guarantee the security of Israel's residents after the events of October 7 [2023]."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that Palestinians living in Gaza should be allowed to leave the enclave voluntarily if they choose to do so.

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Palestine Israel

Ukraine, US to meet in Saudi Arabia, discuss steps for peace in coming days — Zelensky

"In further meetings, the teams can agree on all necessary aspects of advancing toward lasting peace and security guarantees," Vladimir Zelensky added

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

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

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

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'

Previous US administration deceived and destroyed Ukraine — Russian diplomat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

Russian official skeptical US will really halt counterintelligence ops against Moscow

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

Russian, US expert teams to discuss Ukraine in Riyadh in coming days — envoy

According to Mike Waltz, the sides are "to focus on implementing and expanding the partial ceasefire President Trump secured from Russia"

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

Ambassador Kelin calls UK’s Russian policies ‘hostile’

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

Ukrainian shelling attack on Gorlovka leaves 11 civilians injured

Earlier, the mayor reported nine injured

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

Expert calls cooperation between Russia, US against China unfeasible

Zhang Weiwei called Russia and China "civilization states"

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

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

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

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

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'

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"

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

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

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

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"

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)

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"

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"

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

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

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

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

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

China leases around 2 million hectares of farmlands abroad

IN BRIEF: What is known about prisoner exchange between Russia, Ukraine

The exchange was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump

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

Trump, Zelensky discuss possibility of transferring Ukrainian nuclear power plants to US

Donald Trump said that "the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise"

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Houthis report new attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

The attack involved "several cruise missiles and drones"

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'

US national security advisor Waltz says held phone call with Russian counterpart

Mike Waltz said that he had not discussed Western military assistance to Ukraine

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

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

Zelensky attempts to ridicule Trump by continuing attacks against Russia — State Duma MP

Mikhail Sheremet noted that Kiev should follow the example of the US and take care of its immediate future today, given its loss of positions and setbacks on the frontline

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"

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

Trump tells Zelensky about results of his conversation with Putin

The telephone call "lasted approximately one hour"

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

Zelensky agrees to give up strikes on energy infrastructure — media

According to the report, the Ukrainian president announced the decision during phone conversation with the US leader on Wednesday

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

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"

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV storage sites over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 465 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

'Peacekeeping' in Ukraine to spell involvement in conflict — Russian delegation in Vienna

Acting head of the Russian delegation Yulia Zhdanova emphasized that the concept of achieving "peace through strength," which encourages the Kiev regime to escalate attacks against civilians, is utterly unacceptable

Trump briefed on Kiev military’s terrorist crimes against Russians — delegation in Vienna

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump confirmed during a telephone conversation on Tuesday their intention to continue efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict and to further consider the American leader's proposals

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"

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

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

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

Ukrainian army withdraws in area in DPR — army general

Sergey Nayev earlier served as commander of the Ukrainian Joint Forces

US may soften anti-Russian sanctions after settlement deal for Ukraine — special envoy

"And we're going to get to the ceasefire, and I think after that, everything else will be a detail, sanction relief and all the other things that go with a full-on peace treaty," Steven Witkoff said

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

Freezing conflict in Ukraine unacceptable — Russian delegation in Vienna

Acting head of the Russian delegation Yulia Zhdanova highlighted that, on March 18, during high-level contacts between Russia and the United States, the Russian side outlined key points regarding the US initiative to introduce a 30-day ceasefire

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

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

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

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

‘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'

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

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

Zelensky becomes destroyer for Ukraine — Medvedchuk

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

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

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

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

Four volunteers wounded in Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk Region

One of the wounded was a priest

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

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'

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

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

UK special forces put on standby for potential deployment to Ukraine — newspaper

Earlier, UK media reported that several dozen officers are already in Ukraine, where they are providing security for the embassy in Kiev

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