Middle East conflict

27 Feb, 08:06

Hamas confirms Israel’s release of 600 Palestinian prisoners

Hamas also reiterated its commitment to the agreement and announced its intention to honor all of its terms and conditions

DUBAI, February 27. /TASS/. The radical movement Hamas has confirmed the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, according to a statement on Telegram.

"Our people welcome 600 of their heroic prisoners, whose release was delayed by the [Israeli] occupiers. We synchronized the exchange of the bodies of enemy hostages with the release of our brave prisoners in order to prevent the occupiers from avoiding implementing the deal [on a ceasefire in Gaza]," the statement reads.

Hamas also reiterated its commitment to the agreement and announced its intention to honor all of its terms and conditions. "We reiterate our readiness to engage in negotiations on the second phase of the agreement, and point out once again that the only way to free all hostages held in the Gaza Strip is to hold talks and comply with everything that was agreed," Hamas said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced in the early hours of February 23 that the Jewish state had decided to postpone the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, set for February 22, until Hamas abandoned the ceremonies that accompanied the release of Israeli hostages and the handover of bodies in the Gaza Strip. However, the radicals said on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning that Israel would free a group of Palestinians, who had been expected to be released on February 22, in exchange for the bodies of four hostages.

On January 15, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to release the hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire in the enclave. The three-phase deal took effect on January 19. During the initial 42-day phase, Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

Iran's nuclear program

UN concerned over deteriorating relations between US, Iran, hopes for indirect talks

"We hope that the opportunity of using another country as an intermediary would be used as a way to lower tensions," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said

Yesterday, 17:22

G7 foreign ministers say concerned about China's military drills near Taiwan

G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue

Two days ago, 22:42

Houthis claims attack against US carrier group

Strikes against US warships "continued for several hours" and prevented US attacks against Yemen’s regions controlled by the rebels, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea added

Kiev’s partners to reduce financing of Ukraine due to US tariffs — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Ukraine had been brought to complete financial, political, and trade dependence on Brussels by "knowingly false European integration rhetoric"

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds eleven US companies to unreliable entities list

Restrictions were introduced "for protection of national sovereignty, security and interests of development"

EU countries have no plan on Ukrainian refugees after conflict ends

The issue is further complicated by the EU’s history of contentious migration debates, which could stall any bloc-wide decision to prolong protection

Author of Trump's 'worst portrait' fears irreparable damage to her career

Sarah Boardman emphasized that the portrait hung in the Colorado legislature for six years and all that time it received "overwhelmingly positive reviews and feedback"

Israel obtains proof of Iran’s direct relationship with Hamas — Defense Minister Katz

According to him, In the document, the Hamas leaders ask of the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force to transfer $500 million

Yesterday, 05:35

Russian army extensively advances in Kupyansk direction — expert

"Though the advances here are quite small, they are observed on a broad section of the front stretching more than 35 kilometers," Andrey Marochko

Two days ago, 15:37

US Treasury chief blames Zelensky for derailing ‘easiest’ deal on natural resources

The first version of the deal was not signed because of a verbal spat between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28

Two days ago, 20:02

Protesters across US rally against Trump, Musk — TV

CNN points out that some 600,000 people have signed up to attend the events

Yesterday, 19:25

Thousands rally in support of Le Pen in Paris

Le Pen speaking at the demonstration on the Vauban Square in the VII arrondissement called her trial political and promised that she would continue the fight "to victory"

Baku says Azerbaijani positions intensively shelled from Armenian territory

"The Azerbaijani army units took adequate retaliatory measures in the mentioned directions," the ministry stated

Russia’s economic growth is currently approaching 'zero' — expert

Alexander Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds 16 US companies to export control list

Trade with the listed companies is prohibited without obtaining special authorization from the Chinese government

Saudi Arabia cuts May oil prices to Asia — Reuters

The drop marks the biggest decline in prices for Saudi oil in more than two years, according to the report

Audi hits brakes on US deliveries following new Trump tariffs — Bild

The company representative added that currently there are more than 37,000 cars sitting in Audi warehouses in the United States, and these are not subject to the new duties, meaning they can be sold

Yesterday, 00:58

Russian defense ministry claims $136,200 from warships design bureau

The court session is scheduled for May 13

EC proposes 25% retaliatory tariffs on US goods from April 16 — Reuters

As the agency says, the EC has removed whiskey from the list of goods subject to import duties

Russia-China-Iran nuclear-related meeting due in Moscow on April 7-8 — Iranian MFA

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the parties had agreed to concentrate their efforts on finding "viable and sustainable negotiating solutions" to address Western prejudices against Iran's nuclear program

Russia bans advertising on websites of extremist organizations

The law envisages a delayed implementation date for these new regulations, which will come into effect on September 1, 2025

Iran to never create nuclear weapons — Foreign Ministry

The development of nuclear weapons in the Islamic Republic is officially prohibited by Ali Khamenei's 2003 decree

Two days ago, 22:38

Time has come to stop war in Ukraine, Musk says

US businessman said that he has 'no respect for the warmongers'

'Ovechkin makes history': world media discuss sportsman’s 'miracle goal'

Alexander Ovechkin set a new record for the number of goals scored in the regular season of the NHL, surpassing Canada's Wayne Gretzky

Moldova stands on verge of collapse of relations with Russia — ex-premier

"We stand on the brink of a collapse in relations not only with a friendly nation but also with a strategic partner with whom we share centuries-old socio-economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties," Vasile Tarlev wrote

Press review: Putin’s envoy holds talks with Trump's team as experts analyze tariff impact

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 4th

PM Starmer calls US duties challenge for British, global economy

Keir Starmer added that the world is changing and the rules of commerce that were perceived as normal recently are no longer appropriate

Russia expects deepening of cooperation with Chinese companies — minister

Maksim Reshetnikov noted that Russia’s production was interested in local manufacturing content

Two days ago, 14:25

Trump’s new tariffs pave way for new world order, says top EU lawmaker

In an interview with the Funke media group, he pointed out that "the Trump administration is bringing fundamental things into question for no reason at all"

Global oil market situation extremely turbulent — Kremlin

The authorities are doing everything to mitigate the global situation for the Russian economy, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Yesterday, 17:23

US Commerce Secretary confirms no plans to postpone retaliatory duties

Howard Lutnick also explained that the US imposed 10% tariffs on the islands of McDonald and Heard in the Indian Ocean, which are inhabited only by penguins, so that other countries could not use them as a loophole

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

Trump expects $6-7 trillion in investment to come to US after new tariffs take effect

US stocks started the day in the red, with the key indexes falling by 2.9-4.6%

Russian troops exploiting success in Krasny Liman area in Donbass — DPR head

In the Velikaya Novosyolka frontline area, Russian troops are focused on liberating the settlement of Bogatyr where the Ukrainian military has concentrated its forces and built quite serious defenses, Denis Pushilin said

Entire America rooted for Ovechkin in his chase for NHL’s all-time goal record — Embassy

According to the statement of the Russian diplomatic mission in the United States, 'this is what sport should be - beyond borders and politics'

Initiative with deployment of EU troops in Ukraine makes no practical sense — experts

According to Jack Watling, a senior researcher for land warfare at the UK’s Royal United Services Institute, a "coalition of the willing" should not attempt such an undertaking

Two days ago, 23:42

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

Two days ago, 20:33

Russian gas supplies may resume in coming years, says German official

Prime minister of Thuringia Mario Voigt also highlighted the need for Berlin to pursue a policy aimed at protecting Germany’s interests

Ukrainian forces planted mines at cemeteries in Kursk Region during retreat — sapper

According to the report, bomb disposal specialists while surveying these territories are invariably wearing armored gear that can weigh up to 50 kg

Yesterday, 03:10

Gutsul’s defense counsel accuses Moldovan special service of gross interference in process

The defense believes that charges voiced in mass media by Moldovan government and law enforcement representatives that Gutsul allegedly took money from a criminal group, are unjustified

Yesterday, 09:59

American Tater forcibly hospitalized with mental disorder in Moscow

Psychiatrists diagnosed Joseph Tater with mental health

European Commission fails EU’s economic policy — Szijjarto

"Brussels has placed European companies in a difficult position due to its absolutely unnecessary and extreme politicization of economic issues," the minister wrote

WHO should stay out of politics, Russia urges to drop double standards — Foreign Ministry

"Russia considers it extremely important that the organization's activities remain depoliticized, scientifically based and meet the interests of all member states," the statement reads

Yesterday, 15:21

Iran to only negotiate with US on nuclear program — deputy speaker of parliament

Haji Babaee also said that Tehran had refused direct talks with Washington because of its failure to fulfill its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and constant threats and sanctions

Yesterday, 23:02

Price of Brent oil down below $64 per barrel on ICE for first time since April 26, 2021

Meanwhile, the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for May delivery was down by 3.36% at $59.92 per barrel

Yesterday, 14:10

Court says seizes $66.4 mln of Chubais, 7 others’ assets on Rusnano suit

According to investigators, the wrongdoers took illegal actions to reclassify financial obligations in 2017 to conceal the company’s poor performance

Yesterday, 13:23

RDIF sees requests galore to return to Russia from US firms, including energy companies

"I think the focus on joint partnerships is the right focus for further cooperation with American businesses, which, yes, are really interested in working in Russia," fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev said

Putin tips hat to Ovechkin in telegram, no call yet — Kremlin

"The congratulatory telegram sent by the head of state in itself clearly shows that the president holds Ovechkin's sports achievements in the highest regard," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russian, Chinese, Iranian experts to hold nuclear consultations in Moscow on April 8

Previously, on March 14, Russian, Chinese, and Iranian deputy foreign ministers held consultations on the Iranian nuclear program in Beijing

Russia ready to do everything for peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear problem — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the sides "regularly hold communication and hold consultations on this issue"

Musk reminds Russia, US only two miles apart

Elon Musk has posted a video which also notes that during icy winters, the Russian-American border in this area becomes traversable on foot

23 Aug 2021, 10:51

Putin concerned over potential threats from Afghanistan, Kremlin says

"President Putin, like other heads of state and government, expressed deep concern over the events in Afghanistan, the potential threats coming from Afghanistan," Dmitry Peskov added

Russian troops advance to Loknya, Yunakovka following Basovka's liberation, expert says

Andrey Marochko noted that Russia’s advances in Sumy have stretched Ukraine’s frontline, compelling Kiev to divert troops and resources to this new sector

UN Security Council to hold Ukraine-themed meeting on April 8 — Russian mission

The session was requested by Western powers

Ukrainian troops wage NATO-backed war against civilians in Kharkov Region — ombudswoman

According to Viktoria Kolesnik-Lavinskaya, "the Kiev regime, inspired by neo-Nazi ideology, systematically commits acts of genocide to intimidate those who refuse to submit to its dictates"

Yesterday, 17:21

Over 50 countries contact White House to start trade talks — Trump advisor

Kevin Hassett also said that Washington did not slap duties on Moscow, as US President Donald Trump does not want this topic to interfere with the negotiations on a peaceful settlement of in Ukraine

Russian air defenses destroy 19 Ukrainian UAVs overnight

In particular, 13 UAVs were intecepted in the airspace over the Sea of Azov

Trump claims China makes mistake following Beijing’s announcement of tariffs on US goods

The Tariff Commission of the State Council announced earlier that Chinese authorities would impose additional tariffs of 34% on all products imported from the United States

Iran ready to give harsh response if US, Israel attack — Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stressed that "any attempts by third parties to carry out provocations and arson will have consequences"

NATO plans to increase alliance’s involvement in Asia-Pacific affairs — Rutte

The secretary general emphasized that Washington has clearly stated that it wants the help of NATO allies in implementing the strategy of "projecting collective power" in the Asia-Pacific region

Trump threatens China with additional 50% tariffs if Beijing doesn’t nix retaliatory move

The US president added that all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with Washington will be terminated

Yesterday, 14:15

Iranian MP calls for creation of nuclear weapons for equal dialogue with West

Member of the Mejlis Mohammad Qasim Osmani said that despite the costs, Tehran will benefit from a nuclear bomb in all areas, including national security

Yesterday, 02:21

Xi Jinping is winner in trade war with Donald Trump — WSJ

China responded to the recent increase of US duties by announcing the 34% tariff on the US goods, starting from the next week

EU lays out schedule of retaliatory measures against US tariffs

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic declined to mention what goods would fall under the EU’s tariffs

Putin congratulates Ovechkin on historic NHL record

The head of state wished the Russian hockey player "health, happiness, fighting spirit to conquer new heights in life and sports"

European students keep enrolling in Russia, even as ties fray — cooperation agency CEO

"There are some fields where Russia is simply second to none, for example, like music and ballet," Yevgeny Primakov noted

Russian agency says Latvia plans to pull down World War II memorials to mar Victory Day

"To give this act of vandalism a semblance of being ‘civilized,’ it is planned to proceed ‘strictly within the Latvian legal framework,’ the statement says

Yesterday, 01:34

Drone hunting unmanned surface vehicles to be tested in Russia

The aircraft will be launched by hand without using any auxiliary devices

Three cities in DPR cut off from water supply due to Ukrainian shelling

Repairs are expected to take up to three days

Houthi field commander dies in US strike on Yemen’s Sa’dah province — TV

According to the report, other high-ranking Houthi officials accompanying him were also killed in the attack, including the head of the region’s education department

Russia intends to sign this year strategic cooperation agreement with Venezuela — Embassy

According to the Russian Embassy in Venezuela, It would be symbolic to sign it on the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations

Downed drone crashes on railroad tracks in Krasnodar Region — headquarters

There are no delays in train traffic

Tehran purchases Russian Su-35 fighter jets — Iranian general

"Any time that we have the need, we will purchase military equipment for strengthening our Air Force, Army and Navy," Ali Shadmani said

Two days ago, 21:32

Dozens of thousands of people protesting against Trump’s policy in Washington

The demonstration stretched all over the central boulevard in the US capital from the Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial

Gold futures drop below $3,000 per troy ounce, first time since March 17

As of 2:45 a.m. Moscow time (11:45 p.m. GMT, Sunday), the drop in the price slowed down by 1.16%

Yesterday, 21:04

IDF attacks Gaza rocket launcher, from which Israel was shelled

The army added that the IDF 'will continue to act to eliminate any threat to the Israeli civilian population'

Yesterday, 20:42

Ovechkin beats Gretzky to become best sniper in NHL Regular Season

The goal in the away match against the New York Islanders was forward's 895th

Yesterday, 10:03

Poland completes installation of e-dams on rivers along Belarus border

The electronic barrier constitutes a system of video surveillance and motion sensors

Yesterday, 04:04

Battlegroup West destroyed five Starlink terminals — spokesman

Air defense crews destroyed two HIMARS projectiles and 22 fixed-wing drones

EU wants to respond to US tariffs from position of strength — newspaper

According to EU sources, Brussels "hates tariffs" and would like to avoid an escalation of trade relations with Washington, but most countries of the association are convinced that "something needs to be done to get Trump"

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

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

Vucic says Serbia, Hungary are moving towards military alliance

The document on strategic defense cooperation, along with a plan for bilateral military partnership for 2025, was signed by Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic and his Hungarian counterpart, Krisztof Szalay-Bobrovniczky

Putin thanks Lukashenko for seizing explosives on border with Poland — report

On April 6, Belarusian customs officers stopped the smuggling of 580 kg of pentaerythritetetranitrate in a Mercedes car

Civilian hospital in Zaporozhye Region shelled by Ukrainian troops

"This is a flagrant terror attack targeting a civilian hospital with dozens of patients, many of whom cannot move receiving lung ventilation," Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said

NCPM scientists create prototype of computer operating at 'speed of light'

Research Director Alexander Sergeyev elaborated that one of the primary challenges facing the researchers is to integrate the device with fast interfaces compatible with classical electronic computing machines

German politician calls for resuming gas supplies from Russia in response to US tariffs

"Stock markets are plummeting and there is a real threat of a global financial crisis," Sahra Wagenknecht said

Yesterday, 14:44

Iran’s Supreme Leader puts army on high alert — Reuters

Reuters said that Iran rejected direct negotiations with the US on a nuclear deal, but wants to continue indirect negotiations through Oman, a longtime channel for messages between the rival states

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Trump defends tariff policy amid global market slump

Meanwhile, global stock and commodity markets are experiencing one of the largest downturns in modern history

Yesterday, 13:06

Russian army liberates Basovka in Sumy Region — top brass

In the past day, Ukraine lost more than 170 servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, 12 automobiles, as well as three UAV control points and an ammunition depot in the Kursk direction

EU’s absence at negotiations on Ukrainian conflict settlement is natural — Russia’s envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov also commented on various mass media reports regarding a consensus on the composition of a hypothetical EU delegation to the negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict settlement

Hockey establishes US-Russia ‘bridge’ — US embassy on Ovechkin's record

"Today, we celebrate not only this remarkable record but also the unifying power of sports as a platform for mutual understanding and friendship. We congratulate Alexander Ovechkin on his historic achievement!" the statement says

International acceptance of Mir cards grows despite sanctions — Bank of Russia

Currently, apart from Russia the Mir card is accepted in 13 countries

Press review: US sees first protests since Trump’s return and OSCE seeks Russia’s comeback

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 7th

Yesterday, 13:07

Russia strikes Ukraine’s central arms artillery base, defense enterprises — top brass

The strike’s goal has been achieved, its targets have been hit, the Defense Ministry said

Trump's tariffs could plunge world into third global recession in last 20 years — Axios

The portal quoted consulting company Evercore as saying that in 2024, the US imported $3.3 trillion worth of goods, or more than $25,000 per household

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

Yesterday, 13:08

New Russia-US contacts may take place next week — RDIF head

Kirill Dmitriyev’s visit marked the first time since 2022 that a high-profile Russian official traveled to the US capital for talks

Yesterday, 00:13

President of Zimbabwe announces suspension of duties on US goods

The US introduced 18% import duties on goods from Zimbabwe in response to 35% tariffs in Zimbabwe on US imports, as Washington stated

Yesterday, 19:25

Iranian foreign minister says no negotiations with US after exchange of letters

According to Araghchi, the United States "can only dream" of striking a deal with Iran similar to the one that Libya signed in 2003, when the country abandoned the idea of creating weapons of mass destruction, and began demilitarization

Yesterday, 06:34

Ukraine deploys contracted soldiers 18-24 y.o. to Liptsy direction

The source also noted that Russian forces had previously eliminated some of the more experienced soldiers from this formation