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Middle East conflict

Israel conducts most devastating operation in West Bank in past 58 years — UNRWA

"This operation is the single-longest and most destructive since the second intifada, resulting in the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since the 1967 war," Philippe Lazzarini said

UNITED NATIONS, March 7. /TASS/. The destruction of refugee camps launched by Israel in the West Bank has turned into the largest displacement of Palestinians since the 1967 war, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, stated on Friday.

"These systematic and large scale house demolitions are having an unprecedent impact on the lives of Palestine Refugees in the area. The refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams have been nearly emptied of their residents, with widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure including homes. People now face the prospect of having nowhere to return to. This operation is the single-longest and most destructive since the second intifada, resulting in the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since the 1967 war," Lazzarini wrote on his X social network page. He added that some 40,000 people were forced from their homes in the West Bank.

Tensions escalated again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking hostages. Israel announced a complete blockade of Gaza and began conducting retaliatory strikes on the enclave and parts of Lebanon and Syria, then initiated a military operation in Gaza. Thanks to the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and release hostages held in the enclave. The agreement, which includes three phases, entered into force on January 19, 2025.

Trump ready to discuss rebuilding of bridges with Russia — White House

Trump did not rule out introducing new anti-Russian measures as part of the process of resolving the conflict, Waltz said

Although Ukraine uses reserves Russian army pushes forward near Krasnoarmeysk — DPR leader

Denis Pushilin noted that the "most rapid" advance of Russian troops is taking place around Velikaya Novoselka

Aeroflot reports transportation down 2.3% annually in February 2025

The group carried 2.7 mln passengers (down 3.3% in domestic routes)

Russia, Belarus trading in national currencies by more than 90% — Putin

Russia accounts for about 60% of the Belarusian foreign trade turnover, the Russian leader noted

Serbia’s police issue final warning to protesters in central Belgrade

Some of the protesters have attempted to provoke policemen by throwing firecrackers and bottles at them

Zelensky replaces chief of General Staff

The reasons for the personnel reshuffle are not given

Rubio briefed Lavrov on US military operation against Houthis in Yemen — State Department

Rubio and Lavrov also discussed further steps to restore Russian-American ties during a telephone conversation, the US Department of State added

US court orders suspension of immigrant expulsions under 18th-century law — media

According to the newspaper, Judge James Boasberg ordered a suspension of migrant expulsions while the court reviews the legal validity of US President Donald Trump's use of the 18th-century law

US restarting trade relations with all foreign partners — Rubio

Washington is not aiming at waging trade wars, said Secretary of State

Gerasimov says international security deteriorates as West wants to keep dominating

It is reported that the Russian forces keep the initiative and advance in the whole front despite colossal aid to Kiev from the West

Trump congratulates Kellogg on his appointment as special envoy to Ukraine

Earlier, Kellogg served as Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia

Telegram co-founder Durov leaves France for Dubai with judges’ permission — AFP

A source told AFP that Durov had been authorized to leave France "for several weeks"

Erdogan tells Trump he supports US efforts in Ukrainian settlement

Erdogan also told Trump that Turkey "expects the US to take steps in the context of the fight against terrorism"

Houthis ready to negotiate peace with US — media

Movement spokesman emphasized that the movement is ready for peace if there is a "serious attempt" at a settlement

US military launches large-scale operation against Houthis in Yemen

The operation includes a series of precision strikes on Houthi targets

Air defenses down 31 UAVs over Russian regions this night

Air defense assets on duty intercepted and destroyed 16 UAVs over the Voronezh Region

Investors anticipating return of Russian company shares to global stock market — Bloomberg

American banks Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are among those brokering deals on acquiring assets related to Russia, the agency said

Fire in North Macedonia kills over 50 people, injures 100 — Interior Ministry

More than 80 people have been hospitalized, according to Macedonia's Media Information Agency

Russian forces liberate Rubanshchina, Zaoleshenka in Kursk Region

The ministry also emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces have lost more than 67,600 servicemen in total during the fighting in the Kursk Region

Russia, Qatar have opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy — deputy PM

Denis Manturov also noted that Russia is open to discussing joint projects in the peaceful application of atomic technology, especially in the medical field

Time running out for Ukrainian troops in Kursk area to lay down arms — Kremlin

Putin thus responded to the call of US President Donald Trump, who offered to "spare" the Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

US strikes on Yemen not to impact Houthis' Red Sea operations — spokesman

"The US president's statements regarding the threat to international navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are false and mislead the global community", the movement's spokesman stated on his X page.

It is becoming impossible for Kiev troops to break out of encirclement near Kursk — Putin

"They are leaving their military equipment behind, because there is no way to evacuate it," the president added

China's leader refuses trip to Brussels to honor anniversary of relations — media

The newspaper notes that the venues for such meetings usually alternate, with the prime minister typically attending in Brussels, while the president hosts summits in Beijing

Putin, Trump expected to talk next week — Witkoff

Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming discussion

Britain does not want peace in Ukraine because of its interest in Odessa seaports — expert

Vladimir Karasev further elaborated that the British authorities were also interested in Ukraine's resources, which have been handed over to them by Vladimir Zelensky under a 100-year agreement

Russian forces start liberating Shcherbaki in Zaporozhye Region — politician

Earlier, Rogov told TASS that the Russian armed forces had advanced in the Zaporozhye Region, approaching the settlements of Shcherbaki and Malye Shcherbaki from the south

Leaders of Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan call Azeri president at informal meeting — Kremlin

Aliyev expressed his gratitude for Putin’s invitation to attend the May 9 events in the Russian capital, the Azerbaijani leader’s press service said

Scientists present Russia's first 50-qubit cold atom quantum computer — MSU

The experiment that allowed testing the supercomputer prototype took place on December 19, the Moscow State University said

Macron's intention to protect everyone with France's '3-4 nuclear bombs' is funny — Lavrov

The minister also noted that Macron is now trying to present the situation as if Russian President Vladimir Putin did not want to implement the 2015 Minsk agreements

Russia’s North group of troops continues to move deep into Ukrainian defense line

Armed Forces of Ukraine lost up to 135 military personnel in one day due to the actions of Russia’s Vostok group of troops

Trump expects Russia to agree to Ukrainian settlement deal

The US has had some pretty good news coming out of Russia, the American leader said

Crew Dragon ship with Russian cosmonaut Peskov on board on its way to ISS

The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS on Saturday evening

Europe’s words about sending troops to Ukraine is a bluff — Russian official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber, the introduction of third-country contingents into Ukraine would be illegal and would be contrary to the interests of security and the establishment of long-term peace

Kinzhal missile wipes out Patriot air defense system in Kiev — Russian Defense Ministry

On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Armed Forces hit a US-made Patriot system in Kiev with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile

Death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen rises to 19 — Al Masirah TV channel

Among the dead are four children and one woman, the TV channel notes

Merkel views Russia as a strong nuclear power that captures Trump’s admiration

Commenting on the notorious clash between Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky in the White House, Merkel recalled thinking that she never wanted to see anything like this again

US discussing with Ukraine what territories it will concede — Trump

In the US President's words, "phase one [in the reconciliation process] is the ceasefire"

Russian troops prevent attempts by Ukrainian army to break through deep into Kursk region

The ministry added that the Russian military destroyed four armored personnel carriers

Russian envoy in conversation with Hamas urges release of Donbass native Kharkin

"The conversation focused primarily on the evolving situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated

Death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen rises to 23 — TV

Among the dead are four children and one woman

Lavrov urges to halt use of force in Red Sea during talk with Rubio

The parties also "discussed specific issues regarding the implementation of the mutual understanding reached during the meeting of high-ranking Russian and US officials on February 18 in Riyadh. Sergey Lavrov and Marco Rubio agreed to maintain contact."

Verkhovna Rada member accuses chief of General Staff of corruption

"Bargilevich was involved in a number of dubious activities related to bribery and commerce, all without any investigations," Maryana Bezuglaya said

Russian forces hit energy facilities that support Ukraine's military-industrial complex

According to the ministry, Russian air defenses shot down seven JDAM bombs, three HIMARS rockets and 170 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones

Israel to continue Gaza talks, demanding return of 11 hostages — Netanyahu's office

According to its statement, this decision was made following a meeting held on the evening of March 15

Over 370 people taken out of Kursk Region's liberated territories since March 12

"Today, 70 more people were evacuated", Alexander Khinshtein, announced on his Telegram channel

Russia set to establish naval logistics base in Sudan

The Russian Navy’s logistics base in Sudan is expected to embrace the coastal, water and mooring areas

Ukraine trying to attack civilians of Dvurechnaya attempting to evacuate — official

Earlier, he reported that 16 people had been evacuated from Dvurechnaya, while another 45 had requested evacuation by Russian troops

Belarus ready to help Russia in implementing new national projects — Lukashenko

"We are thinking together with the Russian president not merely about the recovering growth and import phaseout but also about the advanced development," the Belarusian president noted

US hopes for deal with Russia within weeks to address Ukraine crisis — presidential envoy

Earlier, the US special presidential envoy said he expected that there would be a phone conversation between the US and Russian presidents next week

Moscow to host Intervision song contest in 2025 — Putin’s decree

Around 20 countries, including all BRICS nations, have confirmed their participation

Ceasefire may give Ukraine time to rearm — Kremlin aide

He added that Russia's stance and concerns on this issue "are well known to everyone."

Russian National Guard to ensure security in Kursk Region on Victory Day eve — acting head

Sergey Mikhailovich (Rosgvardiya Deputy Director - Chief of the Main Staff Colonel General Sergey Boyko - TASS) emphasized that the agency will make every effort to restore stability and security in the region

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 88.39 rubles for March 11

The Central Bank said last June 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

Batch of BMW cars assembled from SKD sets supplied in 2022 in Kaliningrad — expert

The cars have been assembled in 2025, with all necessary papers and certificates in place, Kirill Chernov noted

Trump refuses to raise tariffs on steel, aluminum from Canada to 50% — White House

President Trump has once again used the leverage of the American economy, White House spokesman Kush Desai said

Almost entire Voice of America staff sent on leave, radio station going silent — CEO

Michael Abramowitz, Voice of America's director, said that nearly his entire staff of 1,300 journalists, producers and assistants had been put on administrative leave

Macron looks for excuses for involvement in Ukraine conflict — Russian diplomat

Earlier, Macron stated in an interview with Le Parisien that European countries willing to send a military contingent to Ukraine

UK’s economy unexpectedly declines by 0.1% in January

The Office for National Statistics noted that the main factor that led to the GDP decline was a 0.9% drop in the manufacturing sector after its growth of 0.5% in December 2024

Russian strikes on logistics, not US, behind halt in Ukrainian ATACMS attacks — politician

G7 threatens Russia with new sanctions in case of rejecting ceasefire initiative

The G7 members "called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully"

Tatneft reduces oil output by 4.1% in 2024 to 27.28 mln tons

Tatneft also reduced gas production by 5.4% to 871 mln cubic meters

Trump calls those who are trying to discredit US-Russia contacts ‘sick degenerates’

US President stressed that during his visit to Moscow, his special envoy Steve Witkoff had a series of other contacts

Ukraine repeatedly violates safety guarantees of IAEA staff at Zaporozhye power plant

Mikhail Ulyanov explained that before each regular rotation, the Russian and Ukrainian military provide the IAEA with written safety guarantees and commit to ensuring a "regime of silence"

Russian forces start demining border areas of Kursk Region

The ministry also said that the sappers have a lot of work to do

Death toll from US strikes on Yemen climbs to 31 — Houthi health ministry

According to the US Central Command, the operation aims to protect American interests and ensure freedom of navigation

Russian air defenses down four JDAM bombs, 141 Ukrainian drones in past day — top brass

Russian troops have hit Ukraine’s military airfields, drone production workshops and their storage sites in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Putin-Trump meeting to occur once there is need — Kremlin aide

"We are preparing for the meeting, and it will be organized as soon as there is a need for it," he said

Russian stocks close in the green on Tuesday

Freedom Finance Global projects the MOEX Index at 3,150-3,250 points on Wednesday

Novgorod-made FPV drone Prince Vandal causes $300 mln damage to NATO

Earlier, the CEO of the research and production center Ushkuynik, Alexey Chadayev, said that the drone for the first time would begin to be manufactured in several regions of Russia

Press review: Putin backs ceasefire but calls for talks as Russian army shifts Kursk front

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 14th

Britain's wish to steal Russian assets stems from historical craving for piracy — MFA

Earlier, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for the swift appropriation of billions of dollars worth of Russian assets

Russia’s S-500 missile defense system seen as top-notch by US analysts — media

The S-500, produced by the Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer, was designed to destroy all existing and future aerospace attack weapons of a potential enemy across the entire range of altitudes and speeds

Russia says Ukrainian losses in Kursk Region topped 61,000 troops

Russian forces repulsed three Ukrainian counterattacks in the region over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russian troops complete clearing of woods west of Kurilovka — security agencies

Russian marines note that the remaining Ukrainian forces are putting up fierce resistance, as many servicemen are still unaware of the defeat of the Ukrainian grouping in the occupied territories

Meeting with Putin lasted 3-4 hours, was ‘solution-based — Witkoff

Earlier, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that Putin received Witkoff late Thursday night and provided information for US President Donald Trump

Sanctions against Rubio still in place, publications saying otherwise fake news — MFA

Rubio was added to the list of US citizens under individual sanctions, including a ban on entry to Russia, in May 2022

Ukraine, Russia’s potential concessions yet to be seen — Rubio

According to the top US diplomat, there can be "no military solution" to the hostilities in Ukraine

Gazprom sets new record of gas supplies to China over Power of Siberia

This is the third record since them time when gas deliveries over the Power of Siberia gas pipeline reached the maximum contracted level on December 1, 2024, Gazprom added

Russia sentences at least nine foreign mercenaries for a role in Ukraine’s Kursk incursion

British national James Scott Rhys Anderson, arrested in the Kursk Region, was given 19 years behind bars following a court trial

Russian GDP growth reaches 3.6% in 2023 — statistics

The GDP deflator index in 2023 against 2022 prices moved up by 6.3%

Belarus ready to put into service 2 Oreshnik launchers by end of year — Lukashenko

According to the president, it has not yet been decided where in Belarus to deploy the systems

Russia to ramp up fertilizer exports by 40% by 2030 — Association

Companies of the sector are currently implementing projects totaling more than 1.5 trillion rubles ($17.2 bln), Andrey Guryev added

Kursk Region has transformed into a Kursk fortress — acting governor

According to Alexander Khinshtein, both the Russian military, who are liberating the region, and volunteers, who are assisting residents of border areas, are part of such a fortress

Europe's security without Russia and Belarus is utopia, Matvienko says

Federation Council Speaker emphasized that Russia has consistently urged Europe to convene at the negotiating table to establish a security framework that is common and indivisible

Trump concedes NATO at war against Russia in Ukraine

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

"Angara-1.2" puts military satellites into orbit

The launch proceeded smoothly, with the rocket being monitored by the ground automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Center.

Iraqi security forces eliminate one of world's most dangerous terrorists — PM

Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said the terrorist held senior positions in the extremist group

West can send troops to Ukraine without Russia’s consent — Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to be a military observer mission

Press review: Russia, US eye stability as Moscow upholds preconditions for Kiev talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 13th

Macron does not rule out more Mirage 2000 fighter jet deliveries to Kiev

French leader "did not rule out" such a move amid statements from Ukraine’s armed forces saying that they had successfully used one such combat aircraft

Houthis hit US Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier using missiles, drones

Earlier, it was reported that the US had targeted underground facilities of the Houthis in the Amran Province, located in the northwest of Yemen, along with the movement's positions in the Saada Province

Radio Liberty receives letter about termination of funding by US authorities

President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Capus said cancelling the grant agreement would be "a massive gift to America’s enemies"

Engineering troops begin demining liberated areas of Russia’s Kursk Region

According to the acting regional head Alexander Khinshtein, the Ukrainian armed forces continue to shell settlements in the Kursk Region using cluster munitions fired by multiple rocket launchers

Trump ready to discuss rebuilding of bridges with Russia — White House

Trump did not rule out introducing new anti-Russian measures as part of the process of resolving the conflict, Waltz said

FACTBOX: What is known about UAV attacks on Russian regions

During the night, air defenses intercepted and destroyed two Ukrainian UAVs in the skies over the Rostov and Volgograd regions

French PM says Europe should prepare for trade war with US

At the same time, the prime minister expressed the view that Europe and the US still have the opportunity to resolve the situation through negotiations

Security forces detain Ukrainian soldiers disguised as Russian troops in Kursk border area

"They immediately inform the Russian military about suspicious persons," the source said.

Danish lawmaker believes annexation of Greenland would cause war against US

Rasmus Jarlov referred to the meeting US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the White House on March 13

Import-substituted Superjet begins flight part of certification tests — UAC

At the same time, the Il-114 aircraft is at an advanced stage of flight testing, with more than 20% of certification flights completed

Russia says battlegroup West destroyed 22 drone operating posts

With the support of artillery, heavy flame-throwing systems and aviation, units have improved their tactical position