Middle East conflict

26 Feb, 01:07

Hamas reports agreement reached on release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel

A delegation of the movement, led by Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Khalil al-Hayya, met with Egyptian officials to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the exchange of hostages, and the prospects for the second phase of negotiations during a visit to Cairo

TUNIS, February 26. /TASS/. The Palestinian radical Hamas movement announced that an agreement has been reached for Israel to release a group of Palestinian prisoners who were set to be freed on February 22, the same day the bodies of Israeli hostages were to be transferred, the movement said in a statement on its Telegram channel following the visit of its delegation to Cairo.

"We agreed to resolve the delay in releasing the final group of Palestinian prisoners so that they would be freed simultaneously with the transfer of the bodies of Israeli hostages to Israel," the statement reads.

A delegation of the movement, led by Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Khalil al-Hayya, met with Egyptian officials to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the exchange of hostages, and the prospects for the second phase of negotiations during a visit to Cairo.

Earlier, Al Jazeera TV quoted sources stating that mediators had resolved a crisis concerning the implementation of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, specifically related to the delay in the release of the last group of Palestinian prisoners.

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Palestine Israel

Europe must understand that US may leave Ukrainian settlement process — State Department

That said, Spokeswoman for the US Department of State Tammy Bruce noted that there is "a lot of enthusiasm" following the Paris meeting on the matter

Yesterday, 18:09

US declassifies over 10,000 pages of documents about assassination of JFK's brother

The files are published with minimal editing for privacy reasons, including the deletion of social security numbers and taxpayer identification numbers

Two days ago, 15:38

Dogs gifted by Kim Jong Un reside with Putin, appear well — spokesman

The dogs were presented to the Russian president during his visit to North Korea on June 18-19, 2024

US’ threats to abandon talks on Ukraine directed against Kiev rather than Moscow — Axios

The European diplomats pointed out that during talks in Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not mentioned "increasing the pressure on Russia"

Yesterday, 15:05

Houthis attack US aircraft carriers Harry Truman, Carl Vinson — spokesman

Yahya Saria also said that "the US military buildup and continued aggression against Yemen will only lead to more attacks"

Yesterday, 18:39

Transport Agency denies reports SSJ-100 made emergency landing at Russia's Vnukovo Airport

Allegedly, the aircraft had serious problems with its front landing gear

Yesterday, 20:50

Russia denounces agreement on cooperation in Barents sea region

The Barents Sea Council/The Euro-Arctic Region was established in 1993

Yesterday, 16:27

Trump seeks to achieve zero-balance trade equilibrium with Japan

According to the agency, the US President reportedly expressed particular dissatisfaction with Japan’s limited purchases of American automobiles and agricultural products

Yesterday, 05:48

Chinese vice premier highlights importance of energy cooperation with Russia

Ding Xuexiang noted that work was underway on major projects as the two countries kept expanding areas of cooperation

Yesterday, 13:09

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,900 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy tanks and 39 armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 13:57

US should stop supporting Kiev to achieve peace — Russian politician

Sergey Mironov also remarked that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent statement reflects Washington’s "helplessness and unpreparedness for a genuine resolution of the Ukraine conflict"

Yesterday, 10:39

No instructions from Putin as energy ceasefire ends, Kremlin says

On March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump had a telephone conversation in which they discussed the situation in Ukraine

Pentagon confirms reduction of military contingent in Syria

Two days ago, 10:36

Russia’s Medvedev says European troops to return in coffins if deployed to Ukraine

Earlier, Andrey Yermak, the head of the office of Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, said he along with the Ukrainian defense and foreign ministers, Rustem Umerov and Andrey Sibiga, respectively, had arrived in Paris for talks with senior US officials

Yesterday, 12:58

JD Vance reports progress in Ukrainian settlement over past 24 hours

Less than 24 hours after the talks at the White House, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni receives JD Vance, who has traveled with his family to Rome, where he will celebrate Easter

Two days ago, 12:35

Moscow to respond in kind if Tallinn attacks Russian ships — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia strongly condemns such "pirate-like behavior," arguing that the powers now granted to the Estonian Navy exceed the bounds of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Yesterday, 16:00

Ukraine prepares Easter provocation in Kharkov Region to discredit Russia — authorities

According to Vitaly Ganchev, similar provocations are also being prepared in the Dnepropetrovsk and Poltava Regions

Yesterday, 14:45

Russian troops liberate about 80% of DPR territory, says military expert

Russian troops will still have to take such large communities in the Donetsk People’s Republic as Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, Slavyansk and Druzhkovka, he specified

Yesterday, 15:20

Liberation of Kalinovo in DPR to accelerate Russian army’s advance to Konstantinovka

The Russian Defense Ministry reported about the liberation of the settlement of Kalinovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic on April 16

US develops plan on monitoring ceasefire in Ukraine — WSJ

According to the newspaper, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that "the US has presented a framework on how the war might be ended, including a cease-fire"

Yesterday, 17:07

Rheinmetall to make Spain Europe's largest ammunition production site — newspaper

According to the publication, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions specializes in artillery ammunition, mortar and medium caliber rounds as well as fuses and rocket propulsion systems

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

Trump concedes NATO at war against Russia in Ukraine

US president made the statement at a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin

Yesterday, 19:03

Soft drinks bottling in Russia up 9% YOY in 2M 2025 — Agriculture Ministry

Bottling of drinking and mineral waters gained 10.8% over the same period

Two days ago, 05:29

Russian troops establish new footholds near Figolevka in Kharkov region, expert says

Andrey Marochko said that during active battles in the Kupyansk direction, our troops managed to improve tactical positions

Press review: Moscow mulls energy ceasefire extension as Trump eyes State Department cuts

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 16th

Yesterday, 14:51

First Russian-built engines for Il-114-300 aircraft to be delivered this year — UEC

According to Alexander Grachev, more than 100 flights on the aircraft equipped with the TV7-117ST-01 engine have already been made, the work on its certification is underway

Yesterday, 17:50

Pakistan completed preparations for first freight train from Russia — Ambassador

The two countries have never had the rail service before

Yesterday, 22:51

US may recognize Crimea as Russian territory — Bloomberg

The sources indicated that "a final decision on the matter hadn’t yet been taken"

Yesterday, 19:54

Russia to resolve Ukraine conflict quickly if EU, US 'wash hands of it' — Medvedev

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that the United States could withdraw from the negotiation on Ukraine if the parties sabotaged it

Yesterday, 14:25

US offers easing of anti-Russia sanctions as part of Ukrainian settlement — Bloomberg

The proposals presented by the US to its allies in Paris also imply that all territories liberated by Russia remain under Moscow’s control, while "Kyiv’s aspirations of joining NATO would be off the table"

Two days ago, 19:01

Hungarian officials not to come to Victory Day parade in Moscow — Orban’s office

According to Gergely Gulyas, "even if the countries of Western Europe were on good terms with Russia, it would still not make sense for Hungary to take part in the celebrations, as the end of World War II marked a bitter defeat for the country"

Yesterday, 09:40

Japan protests what it thinks is Russia’s growing presence in Kurils

"A protest has been submitted via diplomatic channels," Takeshi Iwai stressed

Yesterday, 07:43

Memo signed between Ukraine, US envisages no security guarantees — Ukrainian MP

The document was signed on April 17

Russia’s Battlegroup North strikes Ukrainian brigades in Sumy Region

According to the battlegroup’s spokesman Yaroslav Yakimkin, Ukrainian losses amounted up to 85 troops

Yesterday, 17:30

Trump believes Ukrainian conflict to be settled soon

The US leader expressed confidence that all sides were showing enthusiasm to reach the agreement

Yesterday, 16:48

China to take required measures to protect its interests if US introduces harbor fee

China urges the US to follow principles of the market economy and fair competition, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stressed

Yesterday, 11:20

Russia ready to help facilitate Iran-US nuclear deal agreements — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that Moscow welcomes the willingness to achieve objective and mutually acceptable agreements

Yesterday, 18:20

Syrian interior ministry conducts operation to crack down on illegal activity in Latakia

According to the statement, the operation was geared "to strengthen security and stability and to collect weapons from the population"

Yesterday, 16:16

Trump is pressuring Europe to launch ceasefire in Ukraine by April 30 — expert

Mikhail Pavliv noted that under such tight timelines, Washington is compelled to apply pressure on European allies while simultaneously offering incentives to encourage cooperation

Yesterday, 20:59

Top Iranian diplomat to visit China next week

Abbas Araghchi also praised his visit to Moscow

Yesterday, 15:57

Kiev's energy moratorium breaches show it can't be trusted to keep word — Russian official

According to Viktor Vodolatsky, by attacking Russia’s energy infrastructure during the moratorium, Kiev showed the United States that agreements with President Donald Trump and his team are not binding for Ukraine

Yesterday, 20:20

Russian diplomat warns about adverse consequences if NATO states send troops to Ukraine

As a matter of fact, European hawks are heading toward their potential involvement into an armed conflict with Russia on the side of the Banderite regime, Vladislav Maslennikov, the ministry’s European problems department director said

Yesterday, 18:34

Certified unmanned aerial systems to grow twofold in Russia in 2025

Five types of unmanned aerial systems have been certified to date, according to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency

Yesterday, 15:53

Brazil to focus even more on BRICS after introduction of US tariffs — Brazilian minister

Favaro stressed that the trade measures adopted by the White House will not affect the strengthening of BRICS ties in agriculture

Yesterday, 15:54

Japan to lend Ukraine $3 bln using proceeds from frozen Russian assets, Kiev says

The Finance Ministry added that the loan has a 30-year term

Yesterday, 03:50

Russia says some Ukrainian soldiers surrendered in Kursk Region

According to the Defense Ministry, guided by humanitarian considerations, servicemen of the battlegroup North guarantee that Ukrainian soldiers, if they lay down their arms and surrendered, will live and receive decent treatment

Yesterday, 14:01

New port of Archangelsk to provide Russia with year-round access to World Ocean

The design capacity of the port is 31.4 mln metric tons of cargo per year

Yesterday, 15:37

Ukraine explains how minerals deal compensates for Kiev's debt to US

At the same time, Kachka did not give a clear answer as to whether Ukraine had succeeded in convincing the United States to abandon the wording of a "virtual contribution" in the agreement

Two days ago, 14:16

'Coalition of willing’ gone mad, strike on Sumy: Russian MFA spokewoman holds briefing

Vladimir Zelensky is "certainly" responsible for the unintended consequences of the Russian Armed Forces' attack on the venue where a Ukrainian command staff meeting was being held in Sumy, the Russian diplomat stated

Yesterday, 22:54

Palestinian president, head of Syrian administration discuss situation in Gaza Strip

Both sides also committed to continuing coordination and consultation on regional and international issues"

Yesterday, 11:32

Talks on Ukrainian conflict resolution complicated — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov answered to a question about US President Donald Trump’s recent remark that he expected Russia’s response on a proposed Ukrainian ceasefire this week

Two days ago, 16:44

US launches over 900 strikes on Yemen in one month — Houthi leader

The Houthi forces launched 78 attacks on Israeli territory and US warships in the Red Sea during the same period

Yesterday, 10:16

FSB detains Australian mercenary in Lugansk region fighting on Ukraine’s side

"The FSB regional branch for the Lugansk People’s Republic jointly with the FSB branch for the Moscow Military District has foiled the unlawful activity of a mercenary," the FSB press office said in a statement

US sanctions slow development of China-Russia ties, but they will be overcome — ambassador

According to Zhang Hanhui, Russia and China need to settle the issue of mutual payments and are considering such options as an alternative to SWIFT

Yesterday, 20:45

Vucic says hopes to discuss Serbia’s energy security with Putin on May 9

The Kremlin press service said on March 7 that Vucic had confirmed his visit to Moscow to attend the Victory Parade on May 9.

Yesterday, 20:48

Ukraine accession to EU to open door for Ukrainian mafia to Europe — Hungarian government

The "Financial Risks" section says that if Ukraine joins the EU, "union’s funds owed to Hungary will go to Ukraine

Yesterday, 16:25

European Council’s head says American LNG could replace Russian energy resources

The share of Russian gas in the EU reserves has decreased from 40% in 2022 to 19% in 2024

Yesterday, 16:50

Iran to reduce uranium enrichment if Trump doesn't scrap nuclear pact — news agency

According to the news agency, Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei has set "red lines" within which the country, regardless of the outcome of negotiations with the United States, will not dismantle its centrifuges for uranium enrichment and will not stop it completely

Yesterday, 11:33

Russia, Iran certain that effect of illegal sanctions can be reduced to zero — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat underscored that coercive restrictions tend to generate more issues for the states that implement them than for the countries they target

Yesterday, 18:06

About ten countries to take part in Caucasian Investment Forum

According to Minister of Economic Development of the Stavropol Region Anton Doronin, about 5,000-6,000 guests are planned

Russian forces take control over section of important road in Sumy Region — expert

Distance-wise, about five kilometers of the Yunakovka-Oleshnya highway is under fire control of the Russian Armed Forces

Russia’s potential control over Ukrainian resources to be disaster for the West — Politico

At the same time, mineral resources mining in Ukraine as part of the potential deal between Kiev and Washington " will cost billions and could take decades," the news outlet noted

Yesterday, 08:47

Trump, Lula admire Putin, disdain Zelensky — media

The Brazilian news outlet notes that relations between the American and Brazilian administrations remain strained, as the two leaders have virtually nothing in common

Yesterday, 08:51

US has other things to focus on following three years of support to Ukraine — Rubio

According to the US Secretary of State, the administration of US President Donald Trump has done more in 80 days than former US President Joe Biden ever did

Yesterday, 17:09

Rubio's statements indicate weakening support for Kiev, Ukrainian expert admits

Oleg Sahakyan emphasized that under these conditions, prospects for increased US assistance to Ukraine appear bleak

Russia’s Battlegroup South defeats nine Ukrainian brigades

According to the battlegroup’s spokesman Yevgeny Tretyakov, Ukrainian military losses amounted to over 335 troops

Yesterday, 14:17

Ukraine's Defense Ministry acknowledges issue of forced mobilization, shortage of recruits

Ukraine introduced martial law and general military mobilization on February 24, 2022, extending them several times since then

Yesterday, 18:39

Trump refused to say how soon Ukraine peace deal will be made

When asked by reporters to comment on Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine could be done "in a matter of days," the US President said, "No specific number of days, but quickly"

Yesterday, 15:57

Death toll from US strikes on Yemen's Ras Isa port rises to 74 — Houthis

After escalation of the conflict in Gaza in 2023, the Houthis warned that they would shell Israel and would not allow ships associated with it to pass through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yesterday, 17:38

Russia's Kucherov wins Art Ross Trophy, 10th in NHL history with at least three

Nikita Kucherov is one of three Russians in history to win the Art Ross Trophy, along with Yevgeny Malkin and recently crowned goals king Alexander Ovechkin

Yesterday, 20:59

Some 155,000 Ukrainian refugees find employment in Czech Republic — media

As of early April, 95% of the employed Ukrainians have open-ended employment contracts, it said

Yesterday, 18:36

West set to gain from seizure of lithium deposit in Ukraine — expert

A push to crack down on Ukraine's oligarchy may also have something to do with the decision, Alexander Dudchak said

Yesterday, 15:54

Bank of Russia lowers official dollar rate to 81.14 rubles for April 19-21

The Central Bank said last year that it would fix official dollar and euro rates against the ruble on the basis of reports of banks on results of transactions in the over-the-counter currency market

Yesterday, 17:20

EU postpones fines for Apple, Meta due to trade talks with US — WSJ

The European Commission does not plan to cancel the fines for the tech giants

Yesterday, 09:41

US envoy says territorial issue could be partially resolved in Russia’s favor

According to Steve Witkoff, the territorial issue was the focus of his talks with the Russian leader

1 Sep 2021, 13:17

Putin names law, economics and politics as spheres of his expertise

The head of state reiterated that he has an education in law

Yesterday, 19:17

Russian stock market indices rising on Good Friday — market data

Freedom Finance Global believes the MOEX Russia Index will move within the corridor of 2,800 - 2,900 points on Monday

Two days ago, 10:00

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 17th

Yesterday, 19:16

Rubio, Waltz advocate strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities — Washington Post

It quoted two US officials and other people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity about internal decision-making in the Trump administration

Russia’s Battlegroup West eliminates over 260 Ukrainian troops, Starlink stations

The battlegroup’s spokesman Ivan Bigma added that the enemy’s losses included three armored combat vehicles, 10 motor vehicles

Yesterday, 15:58

Russia receives permit to export beef to the Philippines — agricultural watchdog

As the watchdog specified, currently two Russian beef producers have been certified to export products to the Philippine market

Yesterday, 02:46

US announces destruction of Houthi-controlled Ras Isa port in Yemen

According to CENTCOM, it will cut off the group’s fuel supply and profits from "illegal" fuel sales

Yesterday, 08:13

France, UK, Germany can help achieve peace in Ukraine, top US diplomat says

Marco Rubio pointed out that the White House was in constant contact with London and Paris on settling the Ukraine issue

Yesterday, 02:48

Russian troops stay put in Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya said that there are talks with the current Syrian government

Yesterday, 14:58

Zelensky aide's remarks on ceasefire ring cynical as Ukraine attacks ZNPP — diplomat

On April 17, a Ukrainian delegation led by Yermak met with US and European representatives in Paris to discuss a possible settlement to the conflict in Ukraine

Yesterday, 18:13

US to pull out of Ukrainian settlement unless path to peace emerges — top diplomat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on "the peace proposal presented yesterday to the Ukrainian delegation in Paris and to Russian officials by telephone"

Yesterday, 23:16

Russian forces approach village of Loknya in Sumy Region — military expert

Active combat is underway there right now, military expert Andrey Marochko said

Yesterday, 09:45

Memo of intent points to US aid for Kiev, does not recognize Ukraine’s debt

The memo also notes that the parties intend to avoid conflicts with Ukraine’s obligations under European Union accession and agreements with other creditors

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

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr wipes out up to 85 Ukrainian troops in 24 hours

The battlegroup’s spokesman Roman Kodryan added that the enemy’s losses included nine motor vehicles

Yesterday, 15:21

Port dues in Transarctic corridor may grow tenfold — Russian minister

The solution is to establish the Russian dredging fleet, Alexey Chekunkov noted

Yesterday, 18:14

Western intel agencies aid anti-government forces in Afghanistan — SVR

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the West is trying to maintain instability in Afghanistan in order to advance its own geopolitical interests

Yesterday, 15:56

US, Italy support India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor

The United States criticized Rome for participating in the Chinese initiative under the previous Trump administration. Under the Joe Biden administration, the pressure on Rome continued

Yesterday, 20:24

Starmer, Trump discuss situation in Ukraine, operations against Houthis

British Prime Minister and US President discussed the progress of negotiations on a new trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: UN ready to join Black Sea deal while Russia lifts Taliban ban

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 18th

Yesterday, 17:40

Rostec subsidiary bank signs agreement with Cuban banks on settlements in rubles

The document was signed on the sidelines of the 22nd meeting of the intergovernmental Russian-Cuban commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation in Havana

Yesterday, 18:56

Russia’s export duty on wheat to be $22.29 per metric ton from April 23

The duty on corn will be 1,073.6 rubles ($13.06) per metric ton

Yesterday, 17:48

Crimea's 18th-century incorporation gave Russia lasting strategic edge — Russian lawmaker

In 2018, Russia marked the day Crimea, Taman and Kuban became a part of the Russian Empire as a commemorative date on the Russian calendar

Yesterday, 07:13

IN BRIEF: What is known about overnight drone attack on Russian regions

According to the Defense Ministry, 27 drones were downed over the Voronezh Region, 12 over the Belgorod Region, another 12 over the Sea of Azov, three over Crimea, one over the Rostov Region and one more over the Krasnodar Region

Yesterday, 14:59

Cache with grenades, Belgian machine gun found in abandoned building in DPR

The operation was carried out in collaboration with military counterintelligence units