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Middle East conflict

Direct US contacts with Hamas were 'one-off,' produced no result — Rubio

Press secretary of the Hamas Politburo Taher Al-Nunu said in an interview with Al Qahera Al Ekhbariya television on Sunday that Hamas representatives had held direct talks with US delegates in Doha before the end of the first phase of the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement

WASHINGTON, March 10. /TASS/. Direct contacts between President Donald Trump's hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Palestine’s radical movement Hamas were a "one-off situation" that "hasn't borne fruit," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters.

"That was a one-off situation in which our special envoy for hostages, whose job it is to get people released, had an opportunity to talk directly to someone who has control over these people and was given permission and encouraged to do so. He did so," Reuters quoted him as saying.

"As of now, it hasn't borne fruit. Doesn't mean he was wrong to try, but our primary vehicle for negotiations on this front will continue to be [US Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East] Mr. Witkoff and the work he's doing through Qatar," Rubio added.

Press secretary of the Hamas Politburo Taher Al-Nunu said in an interview with Al Qahera Al Ekhbariya television on Sunday that Hamas representatives had held direct talks with US delegates in Doha before the end of the first phase of the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement.

In mid-January, Egypt, Qatar and the US brokered an agreement between Israel and Hamas to declare a ceasefire in Gaza. The three-phase deal took effect on January 19. The initial 42-day phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1. All the living Israeli hostages and the bodies of those deceased that were supposed to be handed over in the first stage were returned to Israel. In exchange, Israel released over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners.

On March 2, Israel suspended humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and closed all checkpoints, citing Hamas’s refusal to accept US Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s plan to continue Gaza ceasefire talks.

No deals with Kiev can be carried out without Ukraine’s full denazification — Medvedchuk

The politician said that these neo-Nazi gangs were created as a vanguard against everything related to Russia

Joint use of ZNPP by Russia, any other country unacceptable — Russian MFA

Moscow will never hand the ZNPP over to Ukraine or any other country, the ministry emphasized

Rare gold coins stolen from French museum worth almost $656,000 found in Moscow

Russian law enforcement officers received a photo and a detailed description of the stolen exhibits

Israel ready to consider military solution to issue of Iranian nuclear program — diplomat

US President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform on March 7 that he had sent a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program

Europe wants to undermine US role in Ukrainian settlement in every possible way — Lavrov

Europe does not want to settle the Ukrainian crisis on the basis of eliminating the root causes, the Russian top diplomat emphasized

Russian troops take central part of Lobkovoye settlement in Zaporozhye area

According to the report, the Ukrainian armed formations are deploying reinforcements, trying to impede the Russian army’s advance

EU's approaches on Ukraine directly contradict Trump administration’s position — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat said the Europeans are currently facing "a huge number of problems"

Zelensky understands that his days are numbered — Lavrov

In Russian Foreign Minister's words, he remains popular only among 'a part of the population that shares radical, ultra-right, revanchist and Banderite views'

Energy strike moratorium voided if one side breaks it — Kremlin

"If one of the parties violates the ban, the other has the right to consider itself free from the obligation to comply with the agreement," the Kremlin added

China ready for dialogue with US based on equality, mutual respect — top diplomat

Wang Yi noted that Sino-US relations are currently at a critical stage of development

Ukrainian army tries to hold on to several villages in Russia’s Kursk Region — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, Russian forces have been ensuring a buffer zone in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

US intelligence points to Russia’s closer ties with Iran, China, North Korea

According to the US intelligence community, removing the accelerant of the war in Ukraine is unlikely to revert these bilateral relationships to a pre-war, 2021 baseline"

30-day stop of strikes against Russian, Ukrainian energy sector counted from March 18

The deal has an option of the extension and the withdrawal from it in case one of the sides does not observe the agreement

Court approves settlement deal on Russian tank manufacturer's multibillion debt

The debt of Uralvagonzavod and its subsidiaries, according to recent data, totals more than 7.3 bln rubles ($114.2 mln) and $30.2 mln

Houthis report delivering strike on US warships in Red Sea

Representative of the armed forces formed by the Houthis Yahya Saree also said that Houthis had attacked military targets in Israel with drones

Waltz's future in doubt after data leak — newspaper

The report said nothing is finalized yet, and President Donald Trump would ultimately make the decision over the next day or two

Oil pumping for Europe to slump due to another terrorist attack by Kiev — Lavrov

On March 19, Kiev intentionally attacked an energy infrastructure facility in the village of Kavkazskaya in the Krasnodar Region with several drones

Russia-US relations worsened during Trump’s first term due to his entourage — Lavrov

According to the Russian top diplomat, although "Trump's entire foreign policy is guided by national interests," the US president understands that other countries, "especially the great powers," also have their own interests

Russia will not tolerate ambiguity regarding Black Sea initiative — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West has consistently acted to benefit Ukraine and penalize Russia in matters concerning the implementation of the Black Sea initiative

Russia to keep in mind ‘trust, but verify’ principle during dialogue with US — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that Washington used the dollar to punish certain countries, and, as a result, the transition to national currencies and alternative payment systems has become unstoppable

Russia favors resumption of Black Sea Initiative in more acceptable form — Lavrov

Russia would like "the market of grain, and the market of fertilizers to be predictable," and for no one to attempt excluding Russia from those markets, the foreign minister noted

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

Russia has already "been through" Europe’s desire to inflict strategic defeat, as Napoleon and Hitler had such plans, the top Russian diplomat said

Lavrov describes NATO secretary general as ‘laughable and pathetic’

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

Kremlin to soon issue another statement on results of contacts with US — spokesman

"The Russian and US sides continue to work in a constructive and positive manner within the framework of existing contacts," Dmitry Peskov said

US vice president ignores Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine

According to Vladimir Zelensky’s interview, he suggested that JD Vance reconsider his decision not to visit Ukraine until the armed conflict was over but the US vice president did not respond

Russian prosecutors declare NATO-funded European Leadership Network undesirable in Russia

According to the statement, the organization's tasks are promotion of the concept of NATO expansion, advocacy of an anti-Russian agenda

US politicians' visit to Greenland shows disrespect for its authorities — Danish PM

On March 4, US President Donald Trump stated that he would support the decision of the people of Greenland to make their territory part of the United States

Trump says he trusts his national security team despite leak scandal

US president added that his entire national security team works efficiently

Russia, US discuss Nord Stream pipeline issue — Lavrov

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

Russia in favor of negotiations with US on all fronts, including sports — Lavrov

"We are both 'for hockey' and 'for soccer.’ These are not just games, by the way, but what people want," the top Russian diplomat said

Russian forces push Ukrainians near Sudzha crossing in Kursk region — security official

As Russian forces have advanced, scattered Ukrainian troops have found themselves completely cut off from enemy forces in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

NATO’s barbaric bombing of Belgrade must not be forgotten — SVR chief

NATO launched a military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on March 24, 1999

Two alleged Israeli hostages say almost killed in airstrike in video posted by Hamas

The recording was posted on the Telegram channel of the military wing of the movement

US wants to engage China in talks on strategic arms reduction — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister recalled that Beijing commented on these plans on numerous occasions

Kiev to undermine talks with US if displeased with their course — Russian senator

Vladimir Dzhabarov emphasized that the current Ukrainian authorities are "frowning" with the US-Russia talks and the Kiev regime is "incredibly irritated"

Kremlin does not discuss personal gifts — Peskov on portrait allegedly presented to Trump

US special envoy Steven Witkoff mentioned earlier that after a March 13 meeting in the Kremlin, he delivered a gift from Putin to Trump

Spain, Italy, France rebuffing European Commission’s plan to rearm EU — Politico

As a senior EU diplomat told the publication, "some countries have serious doubts on the feasibility or even the possibility of indebting [themselves] to these levels"

Black Sea ceasefire compliance issue to be resolved, other countries involved — Trump

Russia and the United States agreed to continue work on achieving a lasting and durable peace

Grain deal will not work without lifting of sanctions on ships — Kremlin

One more condition is lifting of "restrictions of agricultural machinery supplies and other goods used in food and fertilizer production," the Kremlin noted

US authorities looking into how journalist was added to private chat on Yemen — Trump aide

Mike Waltz said said that there's 'a lot of lessons'

Lukashenko officially assumes post of president of Belarus for new term

The Belarusian leader swore to faithfully serve the people, respect and protect the rights and freedoms of people, observe and protect the nation's constitution

Russia can maintain high operational tempo longer than Ukraine — Pentagon

Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse added that 'both sides would have a significant challenge maintaining their defense industrial base'

IN BRIEF: What is known about Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure

TASS has compiled the main information on the Ukrainian attacks

Putting nuclear power plants in US hands to turn Ukraine into colony — Russian senator

Natalia Nikonorova emphasized that Russia did not target Ukrainian nuclear power plants, being acutely aware of "the seriousness of such actions and committed to adhering to universally recognized norms of international humanitarian law"

US again strikes Houthi arms depots in northwest Yemen — TV

According to the report, the United States delivered a series of strikes on warehouses in the district of Sahar

Control over ZNPP cannot be handed over to Ukraine or any other country — Russian MFA

According to Moscow, "sharing the use of the ZNPP with any other country is also unacceptable. This is unprecedented in global practice"

Russia to resume Black Sea deal after sanctions lifting from banks

The agreements will come into force when the Russian banks are also reconnected to SWIFT

At least 37 Palestinians killed in Gaza in past 24 hours — TV

The massive air strikes targeted residential buildings in the northern city of Jabaliya

Zelensky admits Ukraine has no money for army

On March 25, the Verkhovna Rada parliament approved a law on a sharp increase in salaries for ministries’ employees, which will be higher than those of the military

Nigeria interested in purchasing agriculture equipment from Russia — Russian trade envoy

The matter was discussed at an online seminar for exporters organized earlier this week together with Russian Export Center, Maxim Petrov said

Kremlin says painting of its building on fire reflects Zelensky’s spiritual development

"Well, I suppose this illustrates in the best way the level of spiritual development and inner state of the one posing for these images," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia, US may issue joint statement following Riyadh talks on Tuesday morning — CBS

According to the sources, "reports shared with the Trump administration from the US technical team in Riyadh seemed optimistic"

Ukrainian troops destroy churches while fleeing from Kursk Region — Putin

According to the president, "it is absolutely necessary to plan the restoration of these cultural facilities in advance"

Russia should restart non-resource exports by abandoning WTO model — expert

According to Konstantin Babkin, joining the Western economy has long been out of the question, however, under sanctions, Russia continues to adhere to WTO norms

Chinese expert believes Russia needs to cooperate with Asia not relying too much on US

Chi Fulin noted that the Chinese and international community pay significant attention to Russian-American relations, which "are quite complex"

Press review: Germany relies on US missile plan for next year as protests erupt in Turkey

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 24th

US to monitor compliance with agreements reached in Riyadh, Zelensky says

He pointed out that agreements on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a ban on strikes against energy sites had been reached in Saudi Arabia

Trump to cut foreign aid spending by $2.5 bln — Semafor

According to the sources, US president will scale back funds designated as emergency spending under the debt ceiling legislation of 2023, enacted by the administration of Joe Biden

Talks in Riyadh technical, content not to be made public — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the reports made by the delegations to their capitals are being currently analyzed

US offers Ukraine new minerals deal — Zelensky

"I have asked to study it and we will see it before sending it to the parliament for ratification," he said

Convoy with humanitarian aid from France arrives in Donbass

In all, the convoy delivered around 1.5 metric tons of various humanitarian cargo, including wheelchairs, medical supplies, clothes, instruments, kitchenware and bicycles

China's experience should be used in making Northern Sea Route ports — Governor Tsybulsky

Alexander Tsybulsky cited as example the port in Dalian that handles 385 million tons of cargo per year

Ukraine more important for Russia's security than Greenland for this of US — Lavrov

In an interview, the top Russian diplomat recalled US President Donald Trump's words about the US urgently need of Greenland for its security

UN not yet ready to comment on participation in Black Sea agreements — official

Stephane Dujarric added that UN Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan was now on a visit to Turkey

EU incites Zelensky; idea of peacekeepers 'will perpetuate Nazi regime' — Lavrov

"These so-called security forces would serve to entrench the Nazi regime, enforcing a ban on anything that reminds people of Russian roots," the foreign minister emphasized

Indonesia to join BRICS Bank — President

The decision was made after the proposal made by the bank's chief Dilma Rousseff and following consultations with the financial bloc of the Indonesian government, Prabowo Subianto stressed

Ukrainian legislator calls Witkoff's statements on settlement in Ukraine shocking

"Of course, we cannot dictate to our American friends who should represent them," Alexander Merezhko said

Russian ambassador Darchiyev to depart to US today — TASS source

He is expected to depart to Washington on March 26

IN BRIEF: Ukraine carries out assault on Russian energy infrastructure

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that the strikes involved both attack drones and HIMARS rockets

Russia’s Yars missile formations to be taken to field positions

Military units will also practice engineering support and radiological, chemical and biological protection tasks during the maneuvers

UN welcomes agreements on safe navigation in Black Sea — official

Spokesperson for the UN secretary general Stephane Dujarric noted that he had seen the two announcements

IN BRIEF: Black Sea grain initiative, guarantees, Ukrainian attacks: statements by Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia favors the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative in "some form, better suited to all"

Trump says US looking at Russia’s conditions for Black Sea ceasefire

According to US president, 'there are about five or six conditions'

Russia, US manage to raise numerous issues at Riyadh talks, negotiator Karasin says

The Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs noted that the dialogue was detailed and complex

Saudi Arabia talks on Ukraine make great progress — Trump

"We're in deep discussions with Russia and Ukraine, and I would say it's going well," the US leader said

Nukes stationed in Belarus can be used if necessary — Russian ambassador

Under the latest agreement on security guarantees that took effect in the Union State earlier this month, the two countries view Russian nukes as a key factor in preventing nuclear conflicts or military conflicts involving conventional arms, as well as a means of containment that can only be used as an absolute last resort

Trump does not want confrontation of two largest nuclear powers — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, Russia and the United States are currently discussing the prospect of removing barriers for joint economic projects

Annual inflation to be 8% in March 2025 — Bank of Russia

Inflation is expected to be at the level of 4% in 2026; the rise in prices will be more significant in 2025, Alexey Zabotkin added

Gagauzia head detained at Chisinau airport — National Anti-Corruption Center

According to the center, all the details will be announced on Wednesday

Press review: Russia, US conclude talks in Saudi Arabia as Hamas discusses Gaza ceasefire

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 25th

Israel opposes Ukraine’s glorification of Nazi collaborator — envoy

When asked about the Jewish state’s position on Ukraine’s glorification of Bandera, Alexander Ben Zvi recalled that Israeli ambassadors to Ukraine had issued notes of protest on that issue

Lavrov dismisses EU's Ukraine mission plans as 'dreamers' fantasy

"These dreamers are proving their complete political incompetence with each passing day," the Russian top diplomat said, referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron

Kiev launches over 200 UAVs per day near Belogorovka in effort to impede Russian advance

According to military expert Andrey Marochko, Russian troops continue to gradually liberate territory near Belogorovka in the LPR

Russia’s Ufa submarine fires Kalibr cruise missiles during drills in Sea of Japan

The first missile was fired at a surface target, while the second one found its target at a distance of around 1,000 kilometers, at the Syurkum training range in the Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk

White House describes data leak scandal as ‘tired gameplay’ by anti-Trump forces

Communications Director Steven Cheung described the situation as a "witch hunt"

Russia, US have no plans of signing documents after talks in Riyadh — Kremlin spokesman

Negotiations between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh began on Monday morning

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Palestine's Fatah calls on Hamas to give up power in Gaza — media

Fatah spokesman in Gaza Munther al-Hayek emphasized that Hamas's presence now jeopardizes the Palestinian people's struggle for their rights

Europe engages in ‘freeloading’ in cases with Ukraine, Yemen, NATO — Trump

US president said that 'the European Union has been absolutely terrible to us'

Black Sea initiative helps to provide more people with grain — presidential envoy

This initiative facilitates unobstructed access of Russian food and fertilizers to international markets, including raw materials for their production, the official stressed

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

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

EU will not release Russian assets — EC President

The G7 loan facility opened for using revenues of Russian assets frozen in EU jurisdiction is up to 40 bln Euro and is intended for the period until 2027, with the repayment to be completed by 2040

If US appoints new president of Ukraine, it will ruin the country — Russian legislator

"This would represent a continuation of the same colonial scenario and further accelerate Ukraine's collapse," Viktor Vodolatsky said

Gagauzia head’s supporters gather outside anti-corruption center after her detention

The National Anti-Corruption Center said Yevgenia Gutul was detained for 72 hours as part of a criminal investigation, adding that details will be published on Wednesday

Trump upset over leak scandal, blames Waltz — newspaper

It is not yet known whether Trump intends to fire his national security advisor

Russia, US agree to ensure safe navigation in Black Sea — Kremlin

"In accordance with the agreement between the presidents of Russia and the United States, both sides have committed to implementing the Black Sea initiative," the statement reads

Kremlin posts lists of energy facilities covered by moratorium on strikes

The moratorium on strikes against energy facilities is in effect for thirty days from March 18 and may be extended by a mutual agreement

Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto plans to visit Russia today — TASS source

According to the source, Peter Szijjarto is expected to arrive in Moscow

EU criticizes diplomacy chief Kallas's hostile attitude towards Russia — media

Another complaint against Kallas is that she is "acting like a prime minister," according to an EU diplomat

Nuclear weapons previously held by Ukraine belonged to Russia — Trump’s special envoy

Richard Grenell called it 'an uncomfortable fact'

West 'swallowed' Ukrainian UAV attack on Russian territory on March 11 — Lavrov

On that day Ukraine launched a record number of drones against central Russia, including Moscow and the surrounding region - nearly 340 drones, the foreign minister recalled