Middle East conflict

23 Mar, 16:27

Over 50,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 2023 — Health Ministry

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip, launching massive strikes on the enclave breaking the ceasefire established in January

CAIRO, March 23. /TASS/. The number of Palestinians killed in military operations across the Gaza Strip since October 2023 has exceeded 50,000, the enclave's Health Ministry said.

"The number of victims of Israeli aggression since October 2023 rose to 50,021, with another 113,274 injured," the ministry said on its Telegram channel. The agency pointed out that 41 people were killed and 61 injured over the past 24 hours alone.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas described its attack as retaliation for the aggressive actions taken by Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the crisis.

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip, launching massive strikes on the enclave breaking the ceasefire established in January. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained this by the fact that the radical Palestinian movement Hamas had rejected proposals put forward at the talks by mediators and the US President’s special envoy Steven Witkoff. It also stated that the goal of the operation in the Gaza Strip is to free all hostages. The radicals blamed Israel and the US for the resumption of hostilities.

Hungary’s foreign minister certain about Russia's commitment to reaching peace in Ukraine

Peter Szijjarto expressed optimism regarding the ongoing discussions between Russia and the United States about Ukraine, emphasizing Hungary's vested interest in their success

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

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

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

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'

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

Yesterday, 17:56

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

Yesterday, 19:13

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

Yesterday, 08:14

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

Two days ago, 17:05

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

Yesterday, 17:12

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"

Investigative Committee unveils more murders of civilians in Kursk Region

Additionally, Ukrainian troops engaged in looting in the villages of Zaoleshenka, Kazachya Loknya, and Zamostye

Yesterday, 05:28

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"

Russian Armed Forces observe moratorium on strikes — Kremlin

"This is good progress, owing to meaningful relations evolved during communications with the American side," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 23:24

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

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'

Yesterday, 16:45

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

Yesterday, 22:12

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'

Astana expresses its concerns over Ukrainian attacks on oil pumping station — diplomat

Akan Rakhmetullin said that an investigation into the second attack earlier this month is currently being conducted

Keys to the homeland: how Putin became president

On the occasion of today’s anniversary, TASS reflected on the circumstances that garnered Putin the support of the Russian people

Yesterday, 11:12

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

Two days ago, 09:15

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

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"

Yesterday, 11:00

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

Yesterday, 12:32

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

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

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

Yesterday, 11:40

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

Yesterday, 14:42

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

Two days ago, 14:43

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

Yesterday, 21:30

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

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

Yesterday, 19:47

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

Yesterday, 23:45

Trump says he trusts his national security team despite leak scandal

US president added that his entire national security team works efficiently

Ukrainian army mines approaches to settlements in Kursk Region — bomb expert

The source added that the mines have also hindered the evacuation of civilians from Malaya Loknya and Viktorovka

Szijjarto leaves for Moscow for talks on Ukraine, energy cooperation

The Hungarian foreign minister noted that "communication channels should be open"

Kremlin says justice should be met in grain deal

The previous grain initiative worked for some time, with almost all conditions fulfilled within it, excluding those concerning guarantees for the Russian side, Dmitry Peskov noted

Russia’s GDP exceeds $2.3 trillion in 2024, almost doubling in four years — PM

"Domestic demand, both investment and consumer, fueled growth," Mikhail Mishustin added

Russian ambassador Darchiyev to depart to US today — TASS source

He is expected to depart to Washington on March 26

Yesterday, 11:42

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

Yesterday, 16:57

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

Yesterday, 20:20

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

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

Yesterday, 20:42

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'

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

Kiev deliberately targets journalists, law norms for protecting them — Russian diplomat

Earlier on Wednesday, Channel One said Prokofyeva, 35, was killed by an enemy mine in the bordering area of Belgorod

Two days ago, 16:46

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"

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

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

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

Yesterday, 17:50

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

Yesterday, 13:13

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

Yesterday, 20:24

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

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

Yesterday, 16:56

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

Yesterday, 20:18

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

Press review: Russia and US advance Black Sea deal as nuclear divide deepens in Europe

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 26th

Yesterday, 21:07

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, 17:51

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"

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

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

Richard Grenell called it 'an uncomfortable fact'

Yesterday, 10:57

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"

Yesterday, 19:23

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

Yesterday, 10:59

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"

West tries to squeeze Russia out of Arctic under guise of fighting climate change — MFA

According to Maslennikov, Western firms are pushing "to impose artificial restrictions on Arctic shipping, which could have a negative impact on the implementation of Russian Arctic projects"

Yesterday, 10:22

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

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

Yesterday, 19:02

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"

Yesterday, 21:48

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'

Yesterday, 16:46

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

Yesterday, 18:25

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

Yesterday, 09:21

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

Yesterday, 18:11

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"

Yesterday, 09:55

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

Yesterday, 20:19

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

Yesterday, 18:50

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

Yesterday, 12:39

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"

Yesterday, 16:59

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 ambassador Darchiyev departs for US, source tells TASS

"The ambassador has set off for the United States," the source said

Armenian parliament passes EU accession bill in second reading

The country's largest opposition "Armenia" (Hayastan) faction did not participate in the voting

Strategic Yars launchers go on new patrol routes in Bologoye formation

Yars drive a hundred kilometers, build up field positions, organize camouflage and security

Channel One says war reporter Prokofyeva dies in Belgorod Region

Anna Prokofyeva was 35 years old

Yesterday, 18:10

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

Two days ago, 17:26

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

Two days ago, 14:34

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

Chinese expert doubts US role as mediator in peace talks on Ukraine

Meanwhile, profound disagreement on a permanent ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine remains, and the most complex talks are yet to come, Sun Qi warned as he referred to territorial disputes and US military assistance to Ukraine

Yesterday, 21:09

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

Yesterday, 13:03

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

TASS has compiled the main information on the Ukrainian attacks

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

Yesterday, 08:21

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

Two days ago, 10:32

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

Yesterday, 20:34

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

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

Yesterday, 14:09

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

Yesterday, 10:00

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

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

Yesterday, 17:30

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

Yesterday, 15:14

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

US officials assure Europe that Trump will keep American nuclear protection in place — NYT

According to it, Trump’s views are famously changeable, and he "persists in viewing NATO as a club where members pay for American protection"

Yesterday, 06:18

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

Court in Rostov-on-Don sentences 23 Azov fighters to terms of 13-23 years

Most of the accused did not plead guilty, while some partially admitted their involvement, confirming their participation in the brigade

Yesterday, 10:10

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

Russia, US continue intensive contacts — Kremlin

The Kremlin posted the list of Russian and Ukrainian installations covered by a temporary moratorium on strikes against energy facilities approved by Moscow and Washington on Tuesday

Yesterday, 19:17

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