20 Feb, 03:36

WHO, UNICEF plan to vaccinate some 600,000 Gaza children against polio

According to Al Jazeera, more than 591,000 children aged under ten will be inoculated during the vaccination campaign from February 22 through 26

DUBAI, February 20. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) plan to vaccinate some 600,000 children in the Gaza Strip against polio, the Al Jazeera television channel reported.

According to the TV channel, more than 591,000 children aged under ten will be inoculated during the vaccination campaign from February 22 through 26.

According to a WHO survey, the polio virus was detected in 88% of samples taken in various Gaza neighborhoods. The virus is rapidly spreading across the war-ravaged enclave.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 after militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion on Israeli territory, killing many Israeli kibbutz residents living near the Gaza border and abducting more than 240 Israelis, including women, children and the elderly. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave. Hostilities continued until January 19, 2025 when a Egypt-, Qatar-, and US-mediated ceasefire came into force.

Poliomyelitis, commonly shortened to polio, is an infectious disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age. It is caused by the poliovirus that virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread and mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem.

Tags

Middle East conflict

Several missing medial workers found dead in southern Gaza, Hamas says

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said earlier that the fate of nine doctors detained by Israeli troops remained unknown

Yesterday, 15:04

Participants of Ukraine summit in Paris oppose lifting anti-Russian sanctions — Macron

The French president pointed out that the European Union has no legal basis for seizing frozen Russian assets

Trump sincerely wants to end Ukraine conflict — Putin

He reiterated that Russia supports the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, 14:26

Russia's envoy to UN calls for moving towards new global paradigm not dominated by West

"Russia, remaining committed to the legacy of the Yalta Conference, consistently promotes, including via the UN, the principles of the UN Charter's essential role," Vasily Nebenzya said

What is known about the return of 25 Kursk Region residents from Ukraine to Russia

Among the returnees there are several elderly individuals, with the oldest being 92 years old

Ukraine settlement will fail if EU doesn't rein in Zelensky — Russian diplomat

"If you fail to rein in your protege in Kiev and put him in his proper place, this will end badly for Ukraine," Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said

Number of casualties in Myanmar earthquake increases to 300 — NYT

The paper said 20 people died

Leader of Moldova’s autonomous region denounces arrest as political revenge

According to Evghenia Gutsul, Moldova’s Party of Action and Solidarity, which controls the parliament and government, is behind the court’s decision to send her to custody

Yesterday, 15:37

Russia faces large-scale tasks in the Arctic region — Putin

"We will have to strengthen transport and logistical infrastructure, expand capabilities of the economy and the business with compulsory protection of sensitive Arctic ecosystems," the head of state added

Russian army sticks to moratorium on strikes on energy facilities — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Ukraine continued to assault Russian energy infrastructure

Price growth in Russia slowing down — Central Bank chief

The price hike is slowing down, and the economic growth continues at a more modest pace, Elvira Nabiullina said

Putin proposes introducing UN external governance in Ukraine to hold election

The Russian president reiterated that such precedents under the auspices of the UN existed in East Timor, New Guinea and parts of former Yugoslavia

Press review: Germany mulls Nord Stream restoration as Zaporozhye NPP sparks talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 28th

Russian embassy slams British PM’s ceasefire deadline idea as 'absurd'

"The arbitrary deadlines Starmer hastily devised in his remarks to journalists are completely unfounded — especially given London’s clear intent to derail any peace initiatives," the statement reads

Putin emphasizes importance of Syria’s integrity in phone call with Erdogan

The leaders also pointed to "the need to render all possible assistance to its government and people with a view to enhancing political stability and observing the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic and confessional groups there"

Trump serious about normalization with Russia, EU has no option — ex-US intel official

Graham Fuller did not rule out that Europe would also move towards normalizing relations with Russia in the foreseeable future

Yesterday, 08:17

Russia to display battle-tested weapons at LAAD show in Brazil

Rosoboronexport said it is ready to discuss new industrial cooperation projects regarding the displayed weapons in full compliance with modern market trends

Russian embassy slams UK, France for trying to undermine efforts to resolve Ukraine issue

Russian diplomats stressed that "instead of making far-fetched claims against Russia, London should stop covering up its Kiev minions" and "finally pay attention to the Ukrainian army’s ongoing attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, let alone the hunt for Russian journalists that Ukrainian terrorists organized"

Europe wants no peace as refuses to lift anti-Russian sanctions — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that the provisions of the Black Sea initiative are nothing new, as they were outlined in the first agreement, guaranteed by the UN

Russia ready to consider cooperation with Boeing in titanium purchases

According to Denis Manturov, when Boeing decided to leave the titanium valley, they purchased in large quantities not merely ‘blanks’ but ready parts for their airplanes

Oil pumping over Transneft system down 3% in 2024

The pipeline operator expanded the capability of oil deliveries to the Far Eastern port of Kozmino to 46 mln metric tons per year

Russian Emergencies Ministry sends rescuers to earthquake-stricken Myanmar

The ministry’s task force includes 120 rescuers from the Tsentrospas airmobile squad and the Leader Center for High-Risk Rescue Operations

Yesterday, 18:34

Siberia, Ural to have railway approach to Arctic — Putin

"Regions of Siberia, Ural, Northwest Russia will have the direct access to the north, to Arctic ports, making it possible to reduce the load on the Trans-Siberian Railway," the Russian leader stressed

Ukraine reports tense frontline situation in Zaporozhye area

Ukrainian military commanders of various ranks have been characterizing the operational and strategic situation as complex lately

IN BRIEF: What we know about detention of Gagauzia’s head Evghenia Gutsul

On March 25, Evghenia Gutsul was detained at the Chisinau Airport

Yesterday, 21:13

Second round of Russia-US consultations may take place in Riyadh in mid-April — source

"Technical consultations between Russia and the United States are to continue," the source said

Kiev blames its attack targeting Sudzha gas station on Russia — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister warned that oil volumes to European consumers, too, will fall sharply following another recent attack in which Ukraine targeted the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in southern Russia’s Krasnodar Region

Yesterday, 09:16

Gagauzia head urges Putin to help with her release

According to Yevgenia Gutsul, Chisinau is disregarding all principles of democracy and international law, consistently and methodically provoking internal confrontation

Trump may reduce US military presence in Europe — Swedish defense minister

According to the minister, European countries "must one way or another take more responsibility in regard to ensuring the security" of the continent

IN BRIEF: What we know about impacts of earthquake in Myanmar, Thailand

Chinese seismologists believe the epicenter lay at a depth of 30 km

Yesterday, 11:16

EU outraged over being excluded from discussions on Nord Stream pipelines — Politico

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Channel One that Moscow and Washington were discussing the Nord Stream issue

Two days ago, 00:38

Lavrov describes NATO secretary general as ‘laughable and pathetic’

Russian Foreign Minister noted that Mark Rutte 'does not want even to speak on the subject'

Russian stock market indices falling on Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 1.89%, while the RTS Index edged down by 1.71%

Yesterday, 21:09

Putin says US Greenland ambitions nothing to sneer at

In his words, the United States has entertained the idea since the 1760s

Too early to discuss details of Putin’s external governance plan for Ukraine — Kremlin

Earlier, the Russian leader said that external governance has been introduced globally before and that the practice could pave the way for legitimate talks on resolving the Ukraine conflict

Russia says Western sanctions may become impetus to set up Large Eurasian Partnership

The Greater Eurasian Partnership is an initiative proposed by Putin, which he put forward in an address to the Federal Assembly in 2015

Thailand records over 50 aftershocks following Myanmar earthquake

The latest aftershock with a magnitude of 4.9 was recorded at 11:46 p.m. local time (4:46 p.m. GMT)

Russian forces liberate Gogolevka: situation in Kursk Region

Russian troops are engaged in fighting in the center of Guyevo in the Kursk Region, facing the most skilled units of the Ukrainian army's special operations forces

Yesterday, 21:04

Putin gives go-ahead to launch Perm nuclear submarine

"Go ahead!" the Russian leader said

Russian troops liberate five communities in Ukraine operation over week

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted more than 545 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy tanks and two US-made armored personnel carriers in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported

9 Dec 2021, 22:42

CIA employees worked in Russian government in mid-1990s — Putin

He underscored that "of course, the situation has changed"

Yesterday, 11:40

Russia displays counter-UAV laser rifle

According to the designer company, the laser beam destroys the drone body, propeller, engines, battery

Europe can provide no guarantees for peace in Ukraine without US — Hungary’s PM

Viktor Orban reminded that the two largest European countries - France and Germany - had once participated in the preparation of the Minsk agreements on the settlement in Ukraine, but they failed to be implemented

Yesterday, 15:14

Russia needs to strengthen infrastructure, protect environment in Arctic — Putin

The president added that it is necessary to consistently improve the urban environment, enhance the settlements of the Far North, and generally raise the quality of life, "so that they could have interesting, good, well-paid jobs, as well as access to modern education and healthcare services, making the Arctic truly comfortable and attractive to live in"

Sandu cracks down on Gagauzia, her next target being Transnistria — legislator

According to Andrey Safonov, in the most extreme scenario, there could be an orchestrated conflict along the Dniester, on orders from the Euroglobalists to Chisinau

Several missing medial workers found dead in southern Gaza, Hamas says

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said earlier that the fate of nine doctors detained by Israeli troops remained unknown

Lavrov to discuss Ukraine with visiting China’s top diplomat on April 1

The two top diplomats will discuss the most pressing international issues, including prospects of resolving the Ukraine crisis, the ministry specified

Yesterday, 14:48

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

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 80 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility in the Belgorod direction over the past day, the ministry reported

BRICS, North Korea among Russia’s partners on Ukrainian settlement — Putin

As the Russian President noted, not only the United States can be Russia's interlocutor on this issue

Yesterday, 21:19

Russia will do its best to maintain status of powerful seafaring nation — Putin

"We will build new surface ships and submarines, and improve their performance" and "they need to correspond to present-day standards and to be, of course, combat-ready and effective in the near term," he said

Ukraine will not recognize US military aid as debt, Zelensky says

The previous version of the deal was not signed because of a verbal spat between Vladimir Zelensky and US leaders at the White House

Foreign mercenaries are liability for Ukrainian military, expert says

Ruslan Pukhov also warned that the Ukrainian army could become a global concern once the conflict concludes

Russia, US discuss Nord Stream pipeline issue — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, 'it will be interesting if the Americans use their influence on Europe and will force it not to reject the Russian gas'

Building falls in Bangkok due to earthquake — newspaper

Earlier, a TASS correspondent reported that in Bangkok, residents of multi-storey buildings were evacuated because of the earthquake

Yesterday, 21:07

Putin describes floating out of Perm nuclear sub as milestone for Russian Navy

"It is supposed to enter service with the Russian Navy and to start performing its combat tasks next year," the president added

17 Mar 2022, 17:04

La Stampa editor-in-chief deems as unfair accusations over photo of strike on Donetsk

Massimo Giannini also mentioned that the photographer taking the shot was found, the photo used in the newspaper was simply stolen, since nobody had given La Stampa the right to use it

31 Jul 2012, 12:59

Cross in commemoration of wrecked Kursk crew placed on seabed

The Orthodox Cross was placed on the bed of the Barents Sea at a mourning ceremony

Ukraine talks see progress — Trump

"I think we're making progress, but there's a lot of ill will between the parties," the US leader said, commenting on the situation in Ukraine

Yesterday, 16:10

FACTBOX: Russian tourists die in submarine incident near Egypt’s Hurghada

TASS has gathered the key information about the incident

2 Apr 2024, 10:20

Explosives found in batch of icons testify to Kiev's terrorist methods — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov avoided speculating on whether the explosives could have been planted at any point on the transit route

Anti-Russian sanctions cause discord between Italian authorities, people — expert

Michele Geraci noted that many Italians oppose anti-Russian actions

Almost 80 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian regions last night

Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin said that no one was injured in last night’s Ukrainian drone attack on the region

Yesterday, 12:26

Russian President Putin arrives in Murmansk on working visit

The head of state last visited the northwest Russian region in July 2023

EU initiates preparations for 17th sanctions package against Russia

According to the source, the EU’s foreign service and the European Commission are actively engaged in this effort

EU not present at Russia-US talks on Ukraine at fault of Brussels — Austrian ex-chancellor

On March 24, representatives of Russia and the United States met in Riyadh to discuss the resumption of the Black Sea initiative

7 Mar 2021, 17:04

Batch of Russian Sputnik V vaccine delivered to Guinea - Russian embassy

The plane with the Russian vaccine was welcomed at the airport by Minister of Transport Mohamed Keita and director general of the National Sanitary Security Agency Sakoba Keita

Yesterday, 16:08

US will not withdraw troops from Europe or fold nuclear umbrella — expert

Dmitry Suslov noted that Donald Trump administration aims to reduce the strength of US forces in Europe to levels that existed before the onset of the Ukrainian conflict

Two days ago, 09:38

Russia’s GDP exceeds $2.3 trillion in 2024, almost doubling in four years — PM

"Domestic demand, both investment and consumer, fueled growth," Mikhail Mishustin added

Two days ago, 18:17

Russia reduces total gas output by 8% to 118.2 bcm in January-February

Natural gas output during this period totaled 101 bcm, marking an 8.3% year-on-year decline

Neo-Nazi views have great influence in Ukraine, Putin says

Putin said during a meeting with the servicemen of the Arkhangelsk nuclear-powered submarine of the Yasen-M class (Project 885M)

IN BRIEF: Major earthquake strikes Southeast Asia

The quake caused casualties in Myanmar, and the United States Geological Survey predicts that the death toll could surpass 1,000

EU leaders prepare for conflict with Russia, Hungary will not go to war — Orban

While Europe continues to speculate that the Ukrainian conflict could spread across the continent, the Hungarian prime minister dismissed this notion, stating, "This is not true"

Russia did not initiate combat in Ukraine, Putin says

Putin emphasized that for eight years, Russia has been trying to settle the Ukrainian issue peacefully

Russian forces breach Ukrainian defenses, advance near DPR’s Katerinovka — expert

Andrey Marochko added that some of the Ukrainian army units, which had become fragmented following the breakthrough by Russian Armed Forces, retreated and reinforced their positions south of Katerinovka

Yesterday, 19:00

Putin visits Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine

This advanced fourth-generation multipurpose nuclear submarine entered service with the Russian Navy on December 27, 2024

Russia ready to work with Europe without ‘being fooled’ by it — Putin

They are acting inconsistently, constantly trying to fool, Russian President said

14 Jun 2024, 14:13

Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

IAEA experts find no leaks from ZNPP reservoirs — secretary-general

"During the visit to the fuel storage area located outside the ZNPP perimeter, the IAEA team reported that the levels in the storage tanks were normal, there were no traces of spilled fuel and no evidence of any repair work being carried out," the statement reads

Hungary wants explanation from Brussels about preparations for war with Russia — Szijjarto

"We are waiting for the European Commission to answer the question of why we now need to develop a 72-hour survival plan," the Hungarian foreign minister said

Yesterday, 14:20

Pharaoh tomb 3,600 years old discovered in Egypt — media

Archaeologists first discovered a pharaoh's tomb at Abydos more than 10 years ago, providing evidence of a "lost" royal dynasty at the site

Yesterday, 13:36

Houthis attack another US aircraft carrier in Red Sea — spokesman

According to Yahya Saria, by striking the aircraft carrier, the Houthis prevented "the enemy's attempts to redeploy its warships to the southern Red Sea and expand its aggression against Yemen

Russian negotiator welcomes US desire to achieve ceasefire in Ukraine by Easter

"It’s a good thing that such appeals and calls are being made," Grigory Karasin said

Yesterday, 07:34

Ukrainian combat group hits its own mines upon escape from Sudzha — Russian army engineer

There were both wheeled and tracked vehicles with Ukrainian crews and military personnel blown up on the minefields, he specified

Putin appoints deputy commander of Russia’s Navy

The Russian leader added that Gudkov’s purview will also involve the command of marines and all artillery and missile coastal troops

IN BRIEF: JD Vance visits Greenland: US military presence plans, hopes for accession

TASS has gathered key remarks by the US vice president

American bases to be targeted if US invades Iran, says Iranian parliament speaker

US Presidential National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated on February 23 that Washington was considering all options regarding Iran’s nuclear program

Yesterday, 17:42

Russia to put new generation icebreakers into service — Putin

Russia already has the largest icebreaker fleet globally, the head of state noted

About 99% of LPR, more than 70% of DPR, Novorossiya liberated, says Putin

According to the Russian president, "along the entire line of engagement, the strategic initiative is fully with the Russian Armed Forces"

Yesterday, 18:16

Moldovan authorities suppress pro-Russian opposition — Kremlin

"All political forces advocating for the development of relations between Moldova and Russia are now in fact subjected to unlawful persecution," Dmitry Peskov noted

Ukraine to owe US more than $120 bln under revised minerals deal — newspaper

Additionally, Ukraine is required to make its own contributions to this fund

Four injured in road accident involving ambulance in Moscow

The ambulance driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting a maneuver, resulting in a collision with the bus stop

France, UK assisted Ukraine in strike on Sudzha gas metering station — Foreign Ministry

According to Maria Zakharova, the guidance and targeting of the strikes were conducted using French satellite systems, while UK specialists provided the coordinate input and carried out the launch

Yesterday, 13:03

US is trying to become largest Arctic power — Russian presidential adviser

Anton Kobyakov noted that the United States, while not a signatory to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, has nonetheless invoked its provisions to assert claims over Arctic territories, water areas, and oil-and gas-rich continental shelves

30 Mar 2023, 20:48

West constantly blackmails, threatens countries cooperating with Russia — Lavrov

According to the minister, Western powers resort to blackmail methods - unprecedented even during the Cold War period - to force other countries to make decisions that they need

LG Electronics partly restarts its plant in Moscow Region — newspaper

The plant was producing washing machines and refrigerators

US needs to break Kiev's resistance to realize idea of UN governance — expert

Vladimir Zharikhin emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky, with European support, primarily aims to extend his own power and sustain ongoing hostilities

Russia, US did not discuss re-SWIFTing Russian banks during talks in Riyadh

Russia and the US held consultations in Riyadh on March 24

Sudzha gas metering station 'virtually destroyed': new Ukrainian attacks on energy sites

The drones were targeting the infrastructure of the Saratov oil refinery

Iran sends its official response to Trump’s letter via Oman

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the message comprises two documents

Press review: White House limits Kiev’s allies as Europe faces challenges without US nukes

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 26th

Yesterday, 13:54

Russia says concerned over Kiev’s bill granting sweeping power to police

"It seems that the Kiev regime is planning a scenario worse than the sniper shootings during the Maidan," Maria Zakharova concluded