Middle East conflict

28 Feb, 13:52

UNRWA says delivers food for 2 mln Gazans since beginning of truce

The Agency resumed access to medical care for 180,000 people living in Khan Yunis, Rafah and Gaza City, and delivered clothing, mattresses, kitchen equipment and other everyday goods to 500,000 residents of the enclave

UN, February 28. /TASS/. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has delivered food to 2 million people, or 90% of Gaza’s population since the beginning of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, it said on its website.

It said that thanks to the truce in Gaza, which came into force in January, UNRWA has made "unparalleled progress" in providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need. The Agency also resumed access to medical care for 180,000 people living in Khan Yunis, Rafah and Gaza City, and delivered clothing, mattresses, kitchen equipment and other everyday goods to 500,000 residents of the enclave. The UNRWA also provided tents to 64,000 people who lost their homes as a result of fighting.

"For the first time since the war began (in October 2023 - TASS), UNRWA has been able to deliver aid and services [to Gazans] at scale, reducing the suffering of 2 million people. The ceasefire must hold for all humanitarian agencies to continue these efforts. UNRWA must be supported to continue its work across the Gaza Strip," said Sam Rose, UNRWA acting Director of Gaza Affairs.

In the past month, UNRWA health teams have provided medical help to over 15,000 patients, and physiotherapy rehabilitation services for over 6,500 patients.

Over 2,100 UNRWA trucks carrying essential food supplies, shelter items, and medicines have crossed into the Gaza Strip since the start of the ceasefire.

UNRWA continues to provide cash assistance to caretakers of unaccompanied and separated children.

The situation in the Middle East deteriorated sharply after armed supporters of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas penetrated from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7, 2023 and killed residents of border settlements and took hostages. Israel responded by launching a ground military operation in the Palestinian enclave. Fighting continued until January 19 of this year, when a cease-fire regime entered into force in Gaza, stipulated in an agreement concluded by Israel and Hamas with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

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

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"

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%

South Korea sets June 3 as provisional date for snap presidential election — agency

According to Yonhap's source, the decision will be approved during a Cabinet meeting

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

Two days ago, 21:47

New US duties may cost France more than 0.5% of GDP — PM

The dramatic increase of tariffs made by the US President threatens by job cuts

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

Russian, Tajik troops kick off joint counter-terror drills in Tajikistan

The active phase of the drills will run on April 7-11

11 Dec 2018, 05:10

Russia calls on US not to turn a blind eye on Kiev’s preparations for Donbass offensive

According to the DPR’s reconnaissance data, Ukrainian troops plan to seize the DPR’s Novoazovsky and Temanovsky districts and take control over the border section with Russia

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

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

Yesterday, 06:52

Thai deputy PM to visit US for talks after 36% duties imposed

"Next week, Deputy Prime Minister Pichai will meet with both US officials and private sector representatives to address these changes," Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said

Yesterday, 00:58

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

The court session is scheduled for May 13

Yesterday, 09:59

American Tater forcibly hospitalized with mental disorder in Moscow

Psychiatrists diagnosed Joseph Tater with mental health

Global oil market situation extremely turbulent — Kremlin

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

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

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"

Russia capable of rapid military personnel expansion — Pentagon

Cavoli is also head of the European Command of the US army

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 plans to maintain second place in global gold production in coming years

Gold production data in Russia has not been officially disclosed since 2022

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'

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"

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

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

Yesterday, 07:47

Direct Iran-US talks pointless — foreign minister

"Direct negotiations would be meaningless with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions from its various officials," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said

Two days ago, 20:05

Ukrainian attack that killed female civilian in DPR involved Slovakian-made missiles

The attack also involved 122 mm projectiles

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

Rubio says unaware of proposal to resume flights between US, Russia

On February 27, the Russian delegation proposed to restore direct flights between the two countries at talks with the United States in Istanbul

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

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

Trump declares state of emergency in the US due to economic situation — White House

As the document notes, "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries"

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

'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

15 Jul 2020, 20:04

Russia calling on Georgia to cease border provocations and begin dialogue

Russia concerned over increased cases of illegal border crossings from Georgia

Russia expects deepening of cooperation with Chinese companies — minister

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

Russian air defenses destroy 19 Ukrainian UAVs overnight

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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, 08:33

Most Moldovans wish to restore strategic partnership with Russia — ex-leader

Igor Dodon highlighted the longstanding ties between the nations, noting their "strong friendship, fruitful cooperation, and shared historical, cultural and spiritual roots"

Yesterday, 00:49

Brother of Syrian president to lead administration’s work — TV

Maher al-Sharaa was appointed to the position of the secretary general of the presidential service, Syria TV said

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

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

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

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%

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, 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

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

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"

1 Apr 2024, 05:03

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

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

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"

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'

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, 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

EU is 'sinking ship' — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited US President Donald Trump's recently announced tariffs as further evidence that the EU's previously projected GDP growth targets would miss their mark

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

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

Yesterday, 17:21

US Treasury head says confident new duties not to trigger recession

Bessent said that new customs duties are necessary, adding that other states "have been bad actors for a long time" and the accumulate problems cannot be solved within a few days or weeks

Two days ago, 03:30

Kiev forces lost up to 430 personnel in Battlegroup Center’s zone of responsibility

The Battlegroup Center continues to advance deep into the enemy's defenses and liberated the settlement of Uspenovka of the Donetsk People's Republic

Two days ago, 20:14

Musk warns of rising threat of terrorism in Europe

Earlier, he warned of the dangers of mass migration, which, in his view, can destroy any country

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

Residents of Zaporozhye, Gulyaipole await liberation, Russia conducts targeted attacks

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the sovereignty, patriotic projects and support for veterans commission of Russia’s Civic Chamber, said, that the Russian Armed Forces are conducting targeted attacks

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

MOEX Russia Index drops below 2,700 points first time since December 25, 2024

By 7:43 a.m. Moscow time, the index continued to drop by 3.88% and was at 2,674.17 points

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

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

Nearly half of states attending UNHRC session oppose anti-Russian resolution

The ten-page document uses assessments and narratives typical of the states on Russia's list of unfriendly states

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

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

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"

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

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

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"

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

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

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"

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

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

Two days ago, 17:52

Russian goalkeeper wins France's Ligue 1 football championship as part of PSG FC

PSG’s league title is their fourth in a row and 13th in total

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

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, 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

Russia ready to help Burkina Faso maintain national security — Lavrov

The statement followed a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Burkina Faso counterpart Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore

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

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

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"

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

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

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

Russian army foils Ukrainian forces’ attempts to restart Nikolayev port — Kherson governor

Vladimir Saldo said that military is currently monitoring not only the territory of the Kherson Region but also the approach routes

Armenian president signs law launching EU accession process

On March 26, Armenian legislators passed the second and final reading of the law on setting the country’s EU accession process into motion

Yesterday, 04:04

Battlegroup West destroyed five Starlink terminals — spokesman

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

Baku says Azerbaijani positions intensively shelled from Armenian territory

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

Russian Government Bond Index down below 106 points first since February

By 10:56 a.m. Moscow time, the RGBI Index had extended losses to 1.73% reaching 105.65 points

Downed drone crashes on railroad tracks in Krasnodar Region — headquarters

There are no delays in train traffic

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

US stock indexes nosedive as China strikes back with tariffs

The Wall Street Journal writes that over the past two days, since the introduction by US President Donald Trump of new customs duties, the American stock market has lost $6.4 trillion