Middle East conflict

17 Mar, 20:16

Two die, 19 wounded after Israel’s strike on Syria’s Daraa city

TUNIS, March 17. /TASS/. At least two civilians died and 19 more people were wounded after Israel’s airstrikes on the city of Daraa in southern Syria, the SANA news agency reported.

The agency reported earlier that the city’s suburbs had come under Israeli bombardments.

According to the Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen television channel, the strikes targeted military bases in Daraa’s western neighborhoods.

Following the change of power in Syria in December 2024, Israel has been delivering strikes on military targets in Syria. Syria’s authorities have been calling on the international community to make Israel stop its attacks.

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US suspends some counterintelligence operations against Russia — agency

However, according to current and former US officials, most of this work has been suspended, meetings with European partners have become irregular and the White House National Security Council has stopped coordinating efforts with other agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State

Yesterday, 07:45

Kiev fears Trump may agree to cede Odessa to Russia — media

The US president did not specify which specific regions he was referring to, but the White House has already made it clear that Russia is expected to maintain control over territories "that its troops already command," the newspaper said

Yesterday, 17:58

German government to nominate Baerbock for UN General Assembly president — DPA

The General Assembly is expected to elect Annalena Baerbock as its president in June

Yesterday, 23:24

Four volunteers wounded in Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk Region

One of the wounded was a priest

Two days ago, 08:14

Foreign mercenaries target retreating Ukrainian troops, POW says

According to Nazar Valechenko, he had initially paid five thousand dollars to stay in the rear and guard a factory in the Poltava Region, which was later destroyed by Russian troops

Yesterday, 11:44

Russian forces strike oil industry facilities used for Ukrainian army’s needs

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 205 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 17:49

Putin, Trump discuss areas of possible Russia-US cooperation

According to the Kremlin press office, a wide range of areas, in which Moscow and Washington could begin cooperation, has been reviewed

Two days ago, 15:12

Trump to ignore Germany’s call to coordinate on Russia concessions — MP

According to Alexey Pushkov, Donald Trump thinks that "agreeing policies with Europe would mean burying any hope for a peaceful settlement"

Conflict in Ukraine can lead to World War Three —Trump

Putin and Trump earlier held a conversation, in which they discussed the issue of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

Yesterday, 18:32

Russia, US to begin immediately negotiations on Ukraine in Middle East — White House

"The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace," the statement reads

Yesterday, 09:49

Entire Europe 'shivering' ahead of Putin-Trump call — newspaper

The Kiev authorities are concerned that Trump could agree to cede some territories that Russian troops have not yet taken over to Moscow. Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland fear a pullback of US troops from Europe and "a potential Russian invasion within the next few years"

Yesterday, 18:03

Putin, Trump discuss Middle East, Red Sea, nuclear non-proliferation — Kremlin

According to the Kremlin press service, joint efforts will be made toward stabilizing the situation in the crisis zones

Two days ago, 14:42

Ukrainian army's morale at rock bottom after defeat in Kursk — regional official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, Ukrainian propaganda "is trying to magnify" frontline successes but soldiers on the engagement line see the actual state of things and have a different view about what is going on

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Russia, US discuss ceasefire as the West forms new NATO alliances

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 18th

Two days ago, 08:53

Foreign mercenaries perpetrate brutal atrocities in Kursk Region — Russian diplomat

According to testimony of civilians evacuated from the liberated areas, Poles and Georgian Legion members were especially brutal

Yesterday, 18:23

Putin, Trump discuss need to stop strategic arms proliferation — White House

The leaders also spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts

Yesterday, 15:20

In all, 501 people evacuated from Sudzha district of Kursk Region, 36 in last 24 hours

Rescuers are accompanying evacuees to temporary accommodation centers, assisting with lodging, paperwork, and efforts to locate relatives and friends

Yesterday, 18:21

Russia calls on Israel to immediately cease fire in Gaza Strip — mission to UN

First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky emphasized that Russia strongly condemns Israel's actions, seeing them as the "key obstacle to alleviating the suffering of two million Gazans"

Yesterday, 11:58

Ukraine switches from being US ally to customer, Kiev official says — media

A Ukrainian government source told the magazine that developments in the Kursk Region simply coincided with Trump’s decisions on the Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, 20:59

Putin, Trump can agree on establishing cooperative relations — ex US congressman

Dennis Kucinich told TASS that 'the world will benefit from all efforts made by our two great countries in the cause of peace'

Yesterday, 15:46

Russia not against resuming ties with Europe — Russian lawmaker

Vyacheslav Nikonov noted that the international landscape has gotten a facelift recently

Yesterday, 19:00

IDF confirms elimination of Hamas government head in strikes on Gaza

"The strikes were conducted to damage Hamas' governmental and military capabilities, and to remove threats to the State of Israel and its citizens," the Israel Defense Forces reported

Yesterday, 13:40

Ukrainian army withdraws in area in DPR — army general

Sergey Nayev earlier served as commander of the Ukrainian Joint Forces

Yesterday, 12:31

US companies will be able to return to Russia by creating JVs with local businesses — RDIF

Kirill Dmitriev also noted that more than 150 American companies are operating in the Russian market and want to continue their business

US expects Ukraine to support Russia-US agreements

Steven Witkoff said that the sides "have some details to work out, of course," but "that will begin on Sunday in Jeddah"

Russian forces free 12 sq. km at junction of Donetsk, Zaporozhye, Dnepropetrovsk regions

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on March 1 that the Battlegroup East had liberated the settlements of Burlatskoye and Skudnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Two days ago, 09:23

Ukraine's own air defenses shoot down half of Kiev's aircraft declared lost — Rada MP

Maryana Bezuglaya noted that the findings of the investigation into the loss of one of the first F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine last August have yet to be made public

Yesterday, 15:42

US treasury secretary says Trump instructed him to review sanctions policy

Scott Bessent said that the previous US administration's restrictions on Russia were extremely ineffective, as ex-President Joe Biden feared rising energy prices in the United States

Yesterday, 10:02

Most EU countries, Brussels determined to continue conflict in Ukraine — foreign minister

"If you ask me whether Brussels and some European leaders should undermine the peace negotiations, my answer is no," Peter Szijjarto noted

Yesterday, 19:53

Trump calls his today’s conversation with Putin ‘very good and productive’

The Kremlin press service reported earlier that the two leaders discussed the issue of Ukraine in detail and frankly

Yesterday, 23:06

Russia notes progress in bilateral relations with US — foreign ministry spokeswoman

The Maria Zakharova also noted "attempts on the part of the United States to intensify

Yesterday, 18:35

Putin, Trump agree on need for lasting peace in Ukraine — White House

According to the Kremlin press service, during the call, Vladimir Putin reiterated his principled commitment to a lasting peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict

Yesterday, 16:53

Most Germans oppose sending Taurus missiles to Kiev — poll

The survey also indicated that 54% of the respondents think that Ukraine should make territorial concessions to achieve a peace settlement

Yesterday, 08:28

Ukraine commits killings in Kharkov Region while retreating — regional official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, the forces are also shelling civilians who remain in their homes while retreating

Yesterday, 19:16

Syrian authorities, Shia rebels clash again in borderline Lebanon

On March 17, the republic’s ministry of health said that the shelling of northeastern parts of Lebanon had led to casualties among civilians

Yesterday, 13:31

Putin confused why G7 known as 'big' seven

The GDP growth in the G7 countries for 2024 was just 1.9%, while the BRICS countries saw a growth rate of 4.9%, the Russian leader noted

Yesterday, 08:05

Russia to deliver 2,000 jam-resistant kamikaze drones to Ukraine operation zone

According to the People’s Front, UDK drones have destroyed over 50 US-made Bradley vehicles and over 30 M777 artillery guns

Yesterday, 11:29

Poll reveals 76% of Ukrainians frustrated, embarrassed, outraged with current authorities

According to the results of the poll, the Ukrainians polled who said that they lack confidence in Vladimir Zelensky feel negative emotions towards him: 55% of respondents are frustrated with him, while 35% feel outrage and resentment

Yesterday, 18:16

Peace in Ukraine promises economic deals for Russia, the US — White House

US leader Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed that a future with improved relations between Moscow and Washington "has huge upside"

Yesterday, 14:18

Putin counts on active participation of Russian businesses in BRICS projects

The Russian president pointed out that the BRICS development platform "will encompass resource, technological, human, financial, trade, and investment components at a fundamentally new level"

Victory of common sense in Washington made Russia-US dialogue possible — diplomat

According to Andrey Kelin, it is possible that Washington may in the future ease restrictions that affect US companies and hamper their work in Russia

Yesterday, 19:29

Ukrainian troops attempt five attacks on Russia’s Belgorod Region during day

The Russian defense ministry said that up to 200 Ukrainian militants and 29 combat vehicles, including five tanks, 16 armored combat vehicles, three obstacle removal vehicles, an UR-77 mine clearing system, and four automobiles, were involved

Yesterday, 20:56

US, Russia agree to begin talks on resolving Ukraine conflict in Middle East — White House

According to the readout released by Washington, the two leaders agreed 'that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire'

Yesterday, 17:37

Russia can cooperate on rare-earth metals with US, other countries — special envoy

As Kirill Dmitriev added, the US has interest to cooperate in all spheres

Two days ago, 15:30

Ukrainian soldiers shot entire families before leaving Selidovo, says eyewitness

The evacuated resident told about many acts of lawlessness and plunder

Yesterday, 19:34

Russian forces repel all Ukraine’s attacks on Belgorod Region — defense ministry

The Russian defense ministry said that the Russian border was not violated

EU purchases of Russian pipeline gas, LNG in January biggest in two years

EU countries paid 1.07 billion euro for Russian LNG, which is 17% higher than in December 2024, and 57% higher than in January 2024

Two days ago, 09:43

Ukrainians residing in Poland started receiving summonses — Strana

According to the media outlet, the authenticity of summonses has not been established

Yesterday, 06:21

Official expects Russian forces to liberate Volchansk, Kupyansk in Kharkov Region

Vitaly Ganchev earlier said that the Russian Armed Forces were in control of the northern part of Volchansk, and they were less than seven kilometers away from Kupyansk

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

Two days ago, 07:43

Crimea would be ruined if not joined Russia in 2014 — official

Eleven years ago, the Republic of Crimea and the hero-city of Sevastopol rejoined Russia following a referendum held on March 16, 2014, amid the coup in Ukraine

Yesterday, 20:18

FACTBOX: What we know about Kiev’s thwarted provocation in Belgorod Region

Ukraine’s losses amounted to up to 60 troops, a tank, seven armored fighting vehicles, three counterobstacle vehicles, and a motor vehicle

Yesterday, 08:49

Russia keeps hope for negotiations on Ukraine — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov recalled the most devastating drone attack of Ukraine’s army on the Russian territory in history after Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day truce

Yesterday, 10:37

Hungary expects peace in Ukraine in just two weeks — foreign minister

Peter Szijjarto recalled that from the very beginning of the conflict, the Hungarian government called for its peaceful settlement and advocated for dialogue with Russia

Falling drone fragments spark fire at south Russian oil storage facility

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties

Yesterday, 15:09

Russian economy to become 'safe haven' — Putin

According to the head of state, the Russian business has learned how to work in the environment of sanctions, and entrepreneurs adapted to them

Yesterday, 14:00

It is now obvious to everyone what Western jurisdictions are worth — Putin

"But now the covers have completely fallen off, as they say, and it has become evident to everyone what the various high courts in the European capitals, Western jurisdictions, where many sought to hide in, are worth," the Russian president said

Trump says his conversation with Putin was ‘great’

Putin and Trump earlier held a conversation, in which they discussed the issue of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

UK policy may lead to total destruction of Ukraine — Russian ambassador

In his words, the United Kingdom has chosen to go into confrontation

Conflict in Ukraine will stop if sanctions placed on country’s oligarchs — Musk

"That is the key to the puzzle," he wrote on the X social network

Houthis report new attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

The attack involved "several cruise missiles and drones"

Yesterday, 16:39

NATO can no longer 'wage war of attrition' with Russia — expert

"The primary reason for this is that Russia continues to outpace the US and NATO in terms of weapons production and military capabilities," Chung Jae-hung said

Yesterday, 21:24

UK premier’s office welcomes results of Putin-Trump conversation

At the same time, the UK government also insisted negotiations must lead to a 'just and lasting peace for Ukraine' and pledged to 'stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes'

Previous US administration deceived and destroyed Ukraine — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Ukraine was an "emerging democracy" plagued with "corruption, graft and nationalism"

Yesterday, 21:02

‘Hockey puck’ in play — diplomat referring to Russia-US talks

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that 'the European Union was repeating that ‘the ball is in Moscow’s court'

Two days ago, 10:29

Rada MP calls organization of Ukrainian army retreat from Kursk Region barbaric

Earlier, Ukraine’s General Staff tried to present the retreat from the Kursk Region as "regrouping," but many experts spoke of a "very difficult" situation for the remaining Ukrainian units there

Yesterday, 15:05

Putin criticizes self-serving Western legal systems

As the Russian president noted, the countries that keep their reserve funds in the West are concerned about the future of these assets

Yesterday, 20:41

Putin reiterates his commitment to peaceful resolution in Ukraine in phone talk with Trump

The Russian president also reiterated that ways out of the conflict should take into consideration 'the absolute necessity of removing the root causes of the crisis'

US does not want closer Russia-China ties, but seeks better relations with both — Trump

The US President also noted that America is very different from the country it was a few months ago

Trump says he and Putin did not discuss West’s military aid to Kiev

The US President noted that the leaders of the two countries "talked about a lot"

US wants large-scale trade with Russia, including in minerals — Trump

In late February, President Putin stated that Russia was open to exploring major economic projects with the United States

Yesterday, 20:34

Belarus to soon hand over to Russia several vehicles for installing Oreshnik missiles

Security Council State Secretary Alexander Volfovich informed that the country 'has already prepared places for the placement of this missile system'

Two days ago, 17:43

Oreshnik gives Russia upper hand in confrontation with NATO — US expert

Decker Eveleth said that the Oreshnik is the perfect weapon for attacking dense targets like air bases, where its conventional submunitions can deal significant damage

Yesterday, 03:59

Almost whole Kursk Region has been liberated — Russian commander

Russia’s military advance gave strong results, with almost all settlements taken at once, and the enemy’s personnel destroyed, Akhmat Special Forces Commander Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov added

Yesterday, 14:34

About 19,000 hectares, 370 km of roads, 6,700 buildings demined in Kursk border area

According to Lieutenant-General Yury Stavitsky, the number of bomb disposal specialists in the Kursk Region will be maximized to 1,000

Yesterday, 15:29

Trump hopes to achieve peace in Ukraine in shortest possible time — White House

Special Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields stressed that "President Trump means business"

Yesterday, 17:19

Austrian media outlet calls Putin-Trump phone call 'most important in the world'

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Vladimir Putin’s call with Donald Trump has ended

Outcome of Putin-Trump call exceeds skeptics’ expectations, expert says

In their phone call, Putin and Trump discussed the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, ways to prevent a further escalation of tensions and a number of international issues, the Kremlin press service said

Two days ago, 10:00

Press review: Russia prepared for US ties as EU blocks Ukraine resolution

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 17th

Yesterday, 14:30

Putin believes one shouldn't count on entire freedom of trade in the world

"I have said this more than once, it won't be like before," the Russian leader emphasized

25 Jan 2024, 03:44

Some 400 US citizens killed in hostilities in Ukraine — former Pentagon official

"We know that at least 400 Americans have died whether they are contractors or in uniform. Our administration won't say this," he said

23 Sep 2013, 04:38

China acquires 50-year lease for 3 mln hectares of Ukraine’s farmlands

China leases around 2 million hectares of farmlands abroad

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

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 to address collegium of Russian Prosecutor General’s Office

Last year, the collegium convened four days after the attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue

Two days ago, 13:33

Ukraine’s army trying to hold three communities in Kursk Region — Akhmat commander

According to Apty Alaudinov, the Ukrainian army is failing in this attempt and suffering heavy casualties

Yesterday, 18:22

Putin’s response to Trump’s idea on maritime traffic in Black Sea constructive

"It was decided to launch talks to address specific details of such an agreement," the Kremlin emphasized

Yesterday, 23:23

US strikes Houthi facilities in Yemen’s Saada province — TV

According to the report, US forces target sites in the Majiz district

Yesterday, 12:12

FACTBOX: Contacts between Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump

The first telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump took place on November 14, 2016, following Trump’s victory in the US presidential election and prior to his inauguration

Yesterday, 17:40

Putin, Trump to continue efforts toward Ukrainian settlement — Kremlin

According to the statement, the measures also include "taking into account the US president’s proposals"

Zelensky wants to talk with Trump after US president’s conversation with Putin

Zelensky claimed that the Kiev government "has always supported" the idea that power infrastructure sites should not be targeted

Yesterday, 23:14

Ambassador Kelin calls UK’s Russian policies ‘hostile’

Andrey Kelin recalled that United Kingdom intended to bring down the Russian threat

Yesterday, 12:37

Russia to discuss space cooperation prospects with Elon Musk — special envoy

Speculations appear now in mass media in respect of communications between Russia and the United States and issues discussed in the economy sphere, Kirill Dmitriev said

Yesterday, 18:16

Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO says world becomes safer under Putin, Trump

Earlier, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Putin-Trump conversation was over

Ukrainian shelling attack on Gorlovka leaves 11 civilians injured

Earlier, the mayor reported nine injured

Yesterday, 23:22

Russia, US managed to de-escalate Ukraine conflict for first time in 3 years — Sacks

US investor said the sides managed to agree on an energy infrastructure ceasefire, which he described

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.

Trump leads way towards peace — US secretary of state on Russia-US talks

Putin and Trump held a phone conversation on March 18, in which they discussed the 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

Kremlin aide admits Ukraine will cease to exist in 2025

According to Nikolay Patrushev, the fact that the forced coercion to neo-Nazi ideology and fervent Russophobia eliminate Ukrainian cities that used to flourish is particularly alarming

Yesterday, 20:44

World has become safer place after Putin-Trump call, says top Hungarian diplomat

According to Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, the Russian and US presidents have taken a big step toward peace