Middle East conflict

16 Mar, 01:00

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

TEL AVIV, March 16. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his negotiators to continue talks on the Gaza Strip, demanding the release of 11 hostages held in the enclave, the Prime Minister's office reported.

According to its statement, this decision was made following a meeting held on the evening of March 15, which was convened after representatives of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas announced their readiness to release one living hostage and hand over the bodies of four dead people the day before.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an in-depth discussion this evening on the hostages with the negotiating team and the heads of the security forces. Following the discussion, the Prime Minister instructed the negotiating team to prepare to continue negotiations in accordance with the mediators' response to [US Special Presidential Envoy Steven] Witkoff's proposal for the immediate release of the 11 hostages and half of the dead hostages," the office said. According to the latest information from the Israeli side, Hamas is currently holding 24 hostages and the bodies of 35 dead captives in Gaza.

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Palestine Israel Gaza Strip Benjamin Netanyahu

Zelensky replaces chief of General Staff

The reasons for the personnel reshuffle are not given

Yesterday, 07:33

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

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

Two days ago, 19:01

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

Two days ago, 13:10

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

Yesterday, 02:49

Russian, Belarusian citizens to face significant limitations of entry to US — newspaper

According to The New York Times, Washington will not close its borders for Russians and Belarusians completely

Two days ago, 06:08

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

Yesterday, 20:55

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

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

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

17 May 2023, 18:47

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

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

Two days ago, 16:54

Kiev should order military near Kursk to surrender — Putin

"In order to effectively implement the call of the US president, an appropriate order is needed from the leadership of Ukraine to its military units to lay down their weapons and surrender," the Russian leader said

At least 12 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza — WAFA

The agency also reported that several Palestinians were injured after an Israeli drone attacked a group of people in the central Gaza Strip

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

Two days ago, 07:27

Kursk operation turns into a ticking time bomb for Kiev, Russian official says

Igor Kimakovsky explained that the deployment of Ukrainian forces to the Kursk Region had made it possible for Russian troops to advance in the most tactically crucial areas

Two days ago, 14:21

Man shot dead in Odessa helped set fire to Trade Union building in 2014 — report

Ganul is a neo-Nazi and the former security chief of the Odessa cell of Right Sector (designated extremist and banned in Russia), and also the leader of the Street Front grassroots initiative

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

Yesterday, 15:09

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"

Yesterday, 17:05

Almost 380 people missing in Russia’s Kursk region found alive, acting governor says

As residents have been returning en masse, search efforts are ongoing, Alexander Khinshtein added

Yesterday, 19:25

Trump authorizes military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen

Nine people have been killed and nine others injured in joint US and British airstrikes on Yemen, Al Mayadeen television reported

Yesterday, 02:51

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

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.

Yesterday, 13:31

Musk announces Starship spacecraft mission to Mars with humanoid robot

If flights to Mars with the robot are successful, he said, ships with humans could be sent in 2029

US informed Israel of attacks on Yemen in advance — media

Lebanese TV channel Al Mayadeen reported that Israeli planes took part in the raids on Yemen

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

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

Kursk situation under Russia’s control, Ukrainian battlegroup blocked — Putin

"This is full isolation and full gunfire control," the Russian leader stressed

Two days ago, 12:05

Kursk Region’s border buffer zone should be at least 20-30 km wide — expert

Oleg Ivanov also highlighted that the Russian military had already made significant progress in establishing a security zone by liberating populated areas in the Sumy Region from enemy control

Trump concedes NATO at war against Russia in Ukraine

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

Yesterday, 19:01

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

Yesterday, 04:17

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

Yesterday, 11:56

Traffic in Belgrade paralyzed, thousands of protesters arrive in city center

The protesters are carrying Serbian flags, using drums, vuvuzelas and whistles

Armenian PM tells Iranian president talks with Azerbaijan concluded

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and bilateral issues

Two days ago, 07:14

Ukrainian troops suffering heavy losses near Sudzha in attempt to evacuate NATO equipment

The Ukrainian army has repeatedly attempted without any success to break through into the Sumy Region on armored personnel carriers, armored combat vehicles and pickup trucks

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

Two days ago, 14:48

'Oreshnik' in Belarus, Trump 'bulldozer': Lukashenko addresses upper house

Belarusian leader stressed that Moscow and Minsk "seamlessly complement each other" in industry despite differences in resources

Yesterday, 13:41

Britain opposes any increase in the availability of nukes, PM Starmer says

"On the question of nuclear weapons, obviously our position is that we will do everything we can to prevent any increase in the availability of nuclear weapons," Starmer said

Two days ago, 17:15

President Putin says situation with Russia-US relations is 'on the move'

"We will be dealing with this issue today. We have two reporters on it and they are [Russian Foreign Minister] Sergey Lavrov and [chief of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service] Sergey Naryshkin," the Russian leader said

Yesterday, 10:11

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

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

Yesterday, 01:38

Europe at risk of ‘engaging in civilizational suicide’ — US vice president

According to JD Vance, the policy of open borders and the limitations of citizens’ rights are becoming a serious issue for European countries

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

Two days ago, 20:22

Trade war between US, China may adversely affect Sino-Russian trade — expert

US duties in respect of Canada, Mexico, China and the EU may lead to GDP growth deceleration in these countries and across the globe in general, CEO of US-based Navigator Principal Investors Kyle Shostak said

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

Yesterday, 23:07

At least 13 people killed in US airstrikes on Sanaa — Houthi Health Ministry

At least nine people were injured

Two days ago, 16:46

US contacts Russia on possible cooperation with Gazprom — Bloomberg

It is reported that negotiations between the American and Russian sides on this issue are at an early stage

Yesterday, 23:37

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

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

Two days ago, 16:53

Russia understands Trump's call to "spare" Ukrainian troops near Kursk — Putin

"We understand President Trump's call to be guided by humanitarian considerations in relation to these servicemen," the Russian leader said

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."

Two days ago, 17:06

Putin guarantees life to Ukrainian troops if they lay down arms

The Russian president made the statement as he opened a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council

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

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"

Yesterday, 20:49

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

French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to be a military observer mission

Yesterday, 21:36

US military launches large-scale operation against Houthis in Yemen

The operation includes a series of precision strikes on Houthi targets

Two days ago, 10:00

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

Two days ago, 00:43

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

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

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

Yesterday, 17:46

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

Yesterday, 06:19

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

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."

Air defenses down 31 UAVs over Russian regions this night

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

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

"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.

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

Zelensky replaces chief of General Staff

The reasons for the personnel reshuffle are not given

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

Two days ago, 17:40

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

Two days ago, 14:24

Ukrainian forces destroy 48 churches, architectural monuments in Russia’s Kursk region

According to Alexander Khinshtein, not a single war criminal who committed atrocities on the Kursk land should escape deserved punishment

Kiev tried to pass off Ukrainian army’s panic escape from Sudzha as regrouping — expert

"And, naturally, after such slaughter, they would hardly want to continue their service under the direction of the Ukrainian military command and Zelensky," Andrey Marochko said

25 Dec 2024, 09:28

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

Two days ago, 14:59

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

Two days ago, 12:22

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

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

Yesterday, 11:23

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

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

Crew Dragon spacecraft with Russian cosmonaut onboard docks with ISS — NASA

The docking took place at 00:04 a.m. GMT

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"

Chechen leader says Operation Pipeline near Sudzha was daring, incredibly effective

Kadyrov also shared a video featuring the Akhmat units’ commandos moving through the gas pipeline as they advanced into enemy territory

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

Yesterday, 21:14

Death toll in explosion in Syria's Latakia rises to 10 — Health Ministry

Earlier, four people were reported dead

Russia’s Ovechkin narrows gap on Gretzky's record to seven goals

Ovechkin brought the number of goals in the regular season of the NHL to 887

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

Among the dead are four children and one woman

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

Qatar supports all initiatives to resolve Ukrainian crisis — PM

According to a statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry, the country's prime minister and Russia's first deputy prime minister discussed the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict, along with regional and international issues

Yesterday, 08:42

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.

Yesterday, 20:53

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

Yesterday, 08:07

China successfully launches Siwei Gaojing remote sensing satellite

The Changzheng-2D carrier rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northern China at 12:11 a.m. local time

Yesterday, 12:38

Western leaders' meeting on Ukraine kicks off

Starmer cited three main goals for today's meeting: "to strengthen Ukraine, to be prepared to defend any deal ourselves through a ‘coalition of the willing,’ and to keep that pressure on Russia at this crucial time"

Yesterday, 09:26

Russian forces start demining border areas of Kursk Region

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

Two days ago, 16:55

Western nationals unable to register real properties in Donbass by 2028

This decree expands and complements norms established in December 2024

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

Two days ago, 18:21

No war, so feared by West, in Europe in five years — Lukashenko

The president said the leadership of Belarus would have known about the plans to attack Europe

Two days ago, 15:38

FACTBOX: Russia liberates settlements in Kursk, charges Ukrainian mercenaries

Over the past day, the enemy lost more than 260 military personnel, five armored personnel carriers, two armored combat vehicles, five automobiles, four artillery pieces, two mortars, as well as three unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control sites

Putin, Trump expected to talk next week — Witkoff

Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming discussion

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"

Two days ago, 18:40

Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region will be destroyed, if refuse to surrender — Medvedev

The politician noted that the coming hours will show whether the Kiev regime will use the chance to save its soldiers

Two days ago, 20:04

US restarting trade relations with all foreign partners — Rubio

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

Yesterday, 21:35

Trump congratulates Kellogg on his appointment as special envoy to Ukraine

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