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Middle East conflict

US attacks Houthi government complex in northwestern Yemen

On March 15, the US started to carry out massive strikes on Houthi facilities in Yemen based on an order from President Donald Trump

DOHA, March 17. /TASS/. The US military has carried out a series of strikes on the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement’s government complex in Yemen’s northwestern province of Al Jawf, Anis al-Asbahi, a spokesman for the Houthi Health Ministry, said.

"The American adversary carried out four strikes on a government complex building located in the Al Hazm District in the province of Al Jawf," he wrote on the X social media platform. The official did not specify if there were any casualties.

On March 15, the US started to carry out massive strikes on Houthi facilities in Yemen based on an order from President Donald Trump. The US Central Command said that the goal was to defend American interests and restore freedom of navigation. In response, the Ansar Allah movement twice attacked the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the northern part of the Red Sea, using missiles and drones. According to the latest data from the Houthi Health Ministry, the US strikes on Yemen have killed 53 people and left at least 98 wounded.

Ukraine fails to meet any of EU’s membership criteria — German lawmaker

According to Steffen Kotre, even sanctions and tariffs are introduced with an eye to the United States’ domestic policy, with the goal being to win the sympathy of the Democrats

US national shot dead during plane hijacking attempt in Belize

The pilots managed to land the aircraft at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport

Responsibility for what happened in Sumy certainly lies with Zelensky — Russian diplomat

As Maria Zakharova stressed, "the junta leader tried to shift the responsibility for this next terrible war crime against his own citizens to the head of the Sumy military administration"

Putin likens Elon Musk to Russia’s rocket engineer Korolev, says such people are rare

A mission to Mars would be very hard, the Russian leader noted

MOEX Index exceeds 2,900 points in evening session for the first time since April 4

As of 09:03 p.m. Moscow time, the MOEX Index grew by 1.91%, to 2,900.08 points

Moon and Mars cannot be explored without nuclear energy — expert

The scientist further noted that Russia is entirely self-sufficient in space-related activities, but that the country had lost "its launch capabilities and many other assets," because the rest of the world had begun actively developing commercial space industries

Trump wants to use duties to force creditors to restructure US national debt — economist

According to Professor Hans-Werner Sinn, this can be achieved by swapping bonds that mature soon for 100-year bonds with a significantly lower yield

US strikes on Yemen leave 33 dead, 80 wounded — report

According to the report, the attack targeted the port of Ras Isa on the Red Sea, home to an oil terminal, overnight into Friday

Kiev's regime loses more than 165 troops in Kursk area over past day — Russia’s top brass

Over the period of fighting in the Kursk area, the enemy has lost up to 74,780 troops, 410 tanks, 334 infantry fighting vehicles, 305 armored personnel carriers

Israel not to allow Iran obtain nuclear weapons — Netanyahu’s office

According to the statement, earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu "has led countless overt and covert operations in the campaign against Iran's nuclear program"

Russian forces wipe out Ukraine’s heavy equipment near Orekhov — official

The official noted that thanks to reconnaissance capabilities, Russian units in the Orekhov direction are able to detect the movement of enemy equipment practically in real time

Most countries must take decisive steps due to growth of debt burden — IMF Chief

Kristalina Georgieva allowed for the situation when certain countries "may experience shocks necessitating renewed fiscal support," and such measures "should be targeted and temporary"

Russia informs other countries of moratorium violations by Ukraine — Kremlin

The 30-day moratorium on strikes on energy infrastructure was declared on March 18 and expires on April 17

Over 25 children killed daily in Gaza since start of Israeli operation, says UNICEF

"Among those requiring urgent medical assistance are 4,000 children," the report said

Israel violates south Lebanon ceasefire deal 2,700 times — minister

The figure stood at 1,500 last month

Despite suspending space ties with Moscow, Europe still uses its equipment — Putin

The head of Russian state reiterated that given how complicated space technologies can be, cooperation becomes all the more important

Major Asian countries consider NSR an alternative to the Suez Canal — Chekunkov

The head of the Russian Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East Alexei Chekunkov noted that the Northern Sea Route is a "cross-cutting issue" for the development of the Russian Arctic

Deliveries of import-substituted SJ-100 aircraft expected to start in 2026 — Rostec

According to the state corporation press service, the information about the postponement of the Superjet certification deadlines is not true

Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 17th

Scientists say they find 'strong evidence' of likely presence of life outside solar system

At the same time, the conclusions drawn by scientists are not yet definitive

Ukraine, US sign memorandum expressing willingness to reach deal on minerals — official

The sides are preparing to set up an investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine

At least three killed in cable car crash near Italian city of Naples

According to the report, four people were inside the cable car at the time of the accident

More than 700 representatives of low-numbered peoples take Public Diplomacy School course

The Public Diplomacy School, the company's representative said, is a joint project of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' MGIMO University, implemented with the support of Norilsk Nickel

Germany grants Kiev new aid package with 66 MRAP armored vehicles, UAVs

The new package also includes shells for Leopard 2 tanks

US announces destruction of Houthi-controlled Ras Isa port in Yemen

According to CENTCOM, it will cut off the group’s fuel supply and profits from "illegal" fuel sales

Ukraine deliberately struck ZNPP before expiration of moratorium on energy attacks — plant

The ceasefire on energy infrastructure, in place since March 18, followed a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Donald Trump

Dogs gifted by Kim Jong Un reside with Putin, appear well — spokesman

The dogs were presented to the Russian president during his visit to North Korea on June 18-19, 2024

US increasingly distances itself from Europe's plans to help Kiev — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova said that "Germany announced the formation of a new, ninth coalition under its command, this time focused on electronic warfare, which will include 11 countries"

Republika Srpska president not afraid of EU sanctions over May 9 visit to Moscow

Milorad Dodik stressed the need to honor the dates associated with the anti-fascist struggle in Europe during World War II. He believes that it is necessary for the sake of the continent's future

Russian troops liberate Kalinovo community in Donetsk region over past day

Russian air defense forces shot down 223 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 11 JDAM smart bombs over the past day, the ministry reported

Decision to suspend ban on Taliban natural — expert

Andrey Bystritsky emphasized that "it would be strange to continue listing the movement as a banned organization while it holds power in a major country"

Former Kursk Region governor detained on suspicion of fraud

Alexey Smirnov's former first deputy Alexey Dedov have also been detained

EU sees South Caucasus as another front of hybrid warfare — Russian MFA

Commenting on the possible expansion of the EU mission in Armenia, Maria Zakharova noted that the European observers do not bring any stability to the region

Russia’s Medvedev says European troops to return in coffins if deployed to Ukraine

Earlier, Andrey Yermak, the head of the office of Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, said he along with the Ukrainian defense and foreign ministers, Rustem Umerov and Andrey Sibiga, respectively, had arrived in Paris for talks with senior US officials

Putin lauds Qatar’s efforts to help resolve Israel-Palestine conflict

According to the Russian leader, Russia and Qatar share a similar vision of how a lasting peace could be achieved

Diplomats deny reports of missile strike on Indian pharma company’s Kiev warehouse

"The most likely explanation of the incident is that one of Ukrainian air defense missiles fell on Kusum Healthcare’s warehouse setting it on fire," the Russian embassy in New Delhi said

UNSC could pass resolution on potential Ukraine truce depending on terms — Russia’s envoy

According to Vasily Nebenzya, 'it all depends on the terms of a possible ceasefire and the language of the document'

Lavrov confirms to Rubio Moscow’s readiness to work with US on Ukrainian crisis — ministry

Also, Rubio informed Lavrov about his contacts with Ukrainian delegates in France

Iranian foreign minister hands Putin letter from ayatollah — Iran’s Foreign Ministry

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, "mainly nuclear issues" were discussed at the meeting, as well as the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East

Ukraine strikes church in Bryansk Region's Zernovo

There were no casualties

Russian MFA spokeswoman calls insane Franco-British plan to send contingent to Ukraine

Maria Zakharova noted that, alongside the French and the British, "only similarly frenzied Russophobes in the Baltic states" are willing to join this venture

Taliban expects to develop full-scale diplomatic, economic ties with Russia

In the spokesman’s opinion, "Russian President [Vladimir Putin] has a correct policy with regard to Afghanistan"

Hollywood star Van Damme ready to visit Russia as ambassador of peace

Van Damme added that he would like to talk with the Russian leadership "only about peace, sport and happiness"

Three Ukrainian drones attack ZNPP satellite city of Energodar — mayor

No casualties were reported

Israel’s proposal on Gaza contains conditions that can’t be met — Hamas official

Khalil al-Hayya did not elaborate on what provisions Hamas considered impossible

Hungarian officials not to come to Victory Day parade in Moscow — Orban’s office

According to Gergely Gulyas, "even if the countries of Western Europe were on good terms with Russia, it would still not make sense for Hungary to take part in the celebrations, as the end of World War II marked a bitter defeat for the country"

Taliban still designated as terrorist org by UN — secretary-general's office

"It's a sovereign decision of the of the Russian Federation," Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric said

Hamas ready for talks on releasing hostages, movement’s leader in Gaza says

In exchange, Khalil al-Hayya demands the full cessation of war

Durov rejects claims that Telegram started complying with EU laws only after his detention

Telegram has always been compliant with EU laws, the Telegram co-founder stressed

Trump aims at soonest end to conflict in Ukraine, Rubio tells Lavrov

According to the statement, 'United States want this war to end'

IAEA chief says Iran is close to going nuclear

On April 14, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Grossi is scheduled to arrive in Tehran on the evening of April 16 for meetings with Araghchi and Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran

Moscow International Film Festival kicks off in Russian capital

At the beginning of the ceremony, Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky read out a telegram from Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed to the festival’s participants and guests

Kabul grateful to Moscow for decision on Taliban — Afghan embassy in Russia

The diplomatic mission emphasized that it would strengthen cooperation between the countries

All parameters of possible agreements on Ukraine should be fulfilled by parties — MFA

On March 18, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a 30-day mutual pause on strikes against energy infrastructure

Lavrov to hold talks with Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow on Friday

On Thursday, Abbas Araghchi was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Sending Danish troops to Ukraine to draw Denmark into conflict — Russian ambassador

According to the reports, the Danish Armed Forces are planning to send soldiers to a training camp in Ukraine

Russian troops liberate Preobrazhenka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Moscow lodges protest with Tokyo over plans for firing drills near Russia's borders

Earlier reports indicated that Japan's Self-Defense Forces are planning to conduct live-fire training exercises using anti-ship missiles at the Shizunai range in Hokkaido, a region bordering Russia, this summer

Technology to jam Starlink signal begins to be used in Kherson Region — governor

This technology has already started to be deployed, and the effects are already being felt, Vladimir Saldo stressed

AI could replace most programmers within the next year — ex-Google CEO

Eric Schmidt believes that AI models will quickly evolve to perform a greater number of highly specialized tasks that only humans can currently complete

Unlike Israel, Hamas agreed to mediators’ proposal — leader

Khalil al-Hayya said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'wants to continue the war'

Russian stock market up about 2% in early trading

The index slowed gains by 7:10 a.m., holding at 2,872.82 points

Ukraine, US may sign minerals memorandum today — Zelensky

The signing of the minerals deal was upended on February 28 after a shouting match between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House

Qatar considers Russia promising, attractive travel destination

According to Visit Qatar CEO Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Russia is palatable to Qatar both in the cultural and social sense

Ukraine fails to meet any of EU’s membership criteria — German lawmaker

According to Steffen Kotre, even sanctions and tariffs are introduced with an eye to the United States’ domestic policy, with the goal being to win the sympathy of the Democrats

Russian troops stay put in Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya said that there are talks with the current Syrian government

Aid deliveries to Gaza stopped on March 2, UN agency says

According to it, Gaza is suffering from 'severe shortages of food, clean water, shelter and medical care'

Trump extends package of anti-Russian sanctions for another year

On April 15, 2021, the Biden administration introduced executive order 14024, imposing sanctions on Russian individuals and entities that may have allegedly been engaged in cyber-enabled activities against the country

EU may introduce restrictions on exports to US — Bloomberg

According to the sources, this move is being considered as a deterrent if trade negotiations with Washington fail to produce a satisfactory outcome

Attack on Russia using Taurus missiles would imply Germany’s involvement in conflict — MFA

Meanwhile, the Kiev regime has been "a tool of this Western manipulation," Maria Zakharova argued

Hamas leader in Gaza opposes disarmament

According to Khalil al-Hayya, 'the existence of Hamas and its possession of weapons are directly linked to the occupation'

Ambassador slams UK scheme to register foreign influence as 'witch hunt'

"I also emphasize that there is still a lot of uncertainty in the parameters of the scheme, and we expect to receive clarifications from the local authorities," Andrey Kelin added

Qatar urges Russian companies to invest in country’s private sector

The forum held in Moscow is focused on relevant issues of the Russian-Qatari cooperation and the strengthening of business ties between the two countries

Russia says some Ukrainian soldiers surrendered in Kursk Region

According to the Defense Ministry, guided by humanitarian considerations, servicemen of the battlegroup North guarantee that Ukrainian soldiers, if they lay down their arms and surrendered, will live and receive decent treatment

Qatar interested in growth of tourist flow from Russia

Qatar intends to promoting itself as a tourist direction in various Russian regions

US-Iran to hold second round talks in Rome on April 19 — Oman’s Foreign Ministry

'The talks will aim to achieve further progress towards a fair, binding and sustainable agreement,' the ministry said in a statement

'Coalition of willing’ gone mad, strike on Sumy: Russian MFA spokewoman holds briefing

Vladimir Zelensky is "certainly" responsible for the unintended consequences of the Russian Armed Forces' attack on the venue where a Ukrainian command staff meeting was being held in Sumy, the Russian diplomat stated

Russia says requests closed UN Security Council session on energy strikes moratorium

First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky reiterated that the moratorium had been faithfully observed by the Russian side

Russia-US contacts now main driving force of work on Ukrainian settlement — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, such work is under way

Trump says he is not in a rush to attack Iran over its nuclear program

US president said that 'Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death'

Russia’s oceanographic vessel Admiral Vladimirsky pays visit to Venezuela

The Admiral Vladimirsky left Kronshtadt on March 13

Western companies reconsidering exit from Russia, delaying plans — FT

Moscow market participants pointed out that they had only seen "small signs of tepid foreign interest"

Rosatom says other countries coming to Russia for help with quantum tech development

That said, having become one of top three developers of quantum tech, Russia has spent roughly 20 times less money on its quantum program than the leaders in the "quantum race," Solntseva noted

Washington, Kiev to sign minerals deal on April 24 — Trump

"I assume they're going to live up to the deal, so we'll see," Trump added

Chinese vice premier highlights importance of energy cooperation with Russia

Ding Xuexiang noted that work was underway on major projects as the two countries kept expanding areas of cooperation

Trump administration understands that Zelensky hates Russians — Lavrov

"The Trump administration has this understanding and it has repeatedly stated in public that Zelensky will have to accept the loss of land," Russia’s top diplomat said

Russia to go through with Ukraine operation despite NATO’s involvement — Kremlin

Russia capable of continuing military operation despite NATO’s support for Kiev, Dmitry Peskov told

Rheinmetall to complete construction of ammo factory in Ukraine next year

Rheinmetall is Germany’s largest defense company

German politician sees deployment of troops to Ukraine as unimaginable

Lars Klingbeil still stressed that "Germany should remain Ukraine’s biggest military supporter in Europe"

Kremlin comments on idea of Riyadh hosting Putin-Trump talks

Yury Ushakov described Vladimir Putin’s recent meeting with Steven Witkoff in St. Petersburg as "very good"

Court ruling on Taliban to strengthen mutual trust between Russia, Afghanistan — expert

Grigory Lukyanov pointed out that Russia’s legal mechanisms and measures are continuously evolving to adapt to new realities

Moscow to respond in kind if Tallinn attacks Russian ships — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia strongly condemns such "pirate-like behavior," arguing that the powers now granted to the Estonian Navy exceed the bounds of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Ceasefire in Ukraine unrealistic at this point, Russia’s UN envoy says

Vasily Nebenzya noted that attempt at a limited ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure was not observed by the Ukrainian side

Russia ready to offer high capacity nuclear plants to Indonesia

The implementation of a nuclear power plant construction project in Indonesia will give a great impetus for development of its economy, education and technologies

Russian troops establish new footholds near Figolevka in Kharkov region, expert says

Andrey Marochko said that during active battles in the Kupyansk direction, our troops managed to improve tactical positions

US launches over 900 strikes on Yemen in one month — Houthi leader

The Houthi forces launched 78 attacks on Israeli territory and US warships in the Red Sea during the same period

Global trading system is experiencing the reboot — IMF Chief

According to Kristalina Georgieva, volatility in financial markets and uncertainty in trade policy increased significantly

Russian envoy points to important window of opportunity for Moscow, Washington

The window of opportunity that opened up in Russia-US relations after the change of US administration "has made it possible not only to resume political dialogue but also to revive cultural ties between our countries," Alexander Darchiev said

Russia suspends Taliban ban following court ruling

The court session was held behind closed doors

Trump expects to get Russia’s response on Ukraine truce this week

US president said that sides are getting close to the agreement

Inflation expectations in Russia up slightly to 13.1% in April from 12.9% in March

In March, expected inflation went sharply down compared with its February level of 13.7%