Middle East conflict

25 Mar, 12:26

Border operations not aimed at Syrian conquest — acting Israeli ambassador to Russia

"One of the goals was to prevent Hezbollah from obtaining new weapons from Iran and other sources," Alexander Ben Zvi said

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. Israel's acting ambassador to Russia Alexander Ben Zvi has told TASS in an interview that the Jewish state has no intention of conquering Syria, and explained that border operations are not aimed at this purpose.

Commenting on statements by Israeli officials about readiness to protect the Druze community in Syria if the need arises, Ben Zvi did not rule out ground operations.

"Such ground operations do take place, and this is not only because of the Druze. This is one of the issues. As we have seen, operations were conducted recently aimed at destroying various weapons in those areas, which could threaten the safety of the State of Israel. This is what we are guided by," the envoy stressed. "So far, it’s about border areas. Several operations have been conducted - mostly by our Air Forces - that were targeted deeper into Syria. One of the goals was to prevent Hezbollah from obtaining new weapons from Iran and other sources. Border crossings were attacked between Syria and Lebanon and so on. However, Israel has no plans whatsoever to conquer Syria or anything of that sort," Ben Zvi noted.

The diplomat also pointed out that regardless of where threats come from - be it "Shia militias or Iranian groups" - Israel will do whatever is necessary to ensure national security. "This includes a whole range of things," he concluded.

Natural disasters

Thailand records over 50 aftershocks following Myanmar earthquake

The latest aftershock with a magnitude of 4.9 was recorded at 11:46 p.m. local time (4:46 p.m. GMT)

BRICS, North Korea among Russia’s partners on Ukrainian settlement — Putin

As the Russian President noted, not only the United States can be Russia's interlocutor on this issue

US needs to break Kiev's resistance to realize idea of UN governance — expert

Vladimir Zharikhin emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky, with European support, primarily aims to extend his own power and sustain ongoing hostilities

Yesterday, 16:10

FACTBOX: Russian tourists die in submarine incident near Egypt’s Hurghada

TASS has gathered the key information about the incident

Russian negotiator welcomes US desire to achieve ceasefire in Ukraine by Easter

"It’s a good thing that such appeals and calls are being made," Grigory Karasin said

Too early to discuss details of Putin’s external governance plan for Ukraine — Kremlin

Earlier, the Russian leader said that external governance has been introduced globally before and that the practice could pave the way for legitimate talks on resolving the Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, 11:40

Russia displays counter-UAV laser rifle

According to the designer company, the laser beam destroys the drone body, propeller, engines, battery

Yesterday, 18:34

Siberia, Ural to have railway approach to Arctic — Putin

"Regions of Siberia, Ural, Northwest Russia will have the direct access to the north, to Arctic ports, making it possible to reduce the load on the Trans-Siberian Railway," the Russian leader stressed

Anti-Russian sanctions cause discord between Italian authorities, people — expert

Michele Geraci noted that many Italians oppose anti-Russian actions

US to assess Russia's position on lifting sanctions, Trump to determine next steps — Rubio

"We’re sort of going to analyze what they [Russia’s representatives] are raising and sort of study what exactly it is," the US Secretary of State said

Yesterday, 21:09

Putin says US Greenland ambitions nothing to sneer at

In his words, the United States has entertained the idea since the 1760s

France, UK assisted Ukraine in strike on Sudzha gas metering station — Foreign Ministry

According to Maria Zakharova, the guidance and targeting of the strikes were conducted using French satellite systems, while UK specialists provided the coordinate input and carried out the launch

Russia ready to work with Europe without ‘being fooled’ by it — Putin

They are acting inconsistently, constantly trying to fool, Russian President said

Russian economy stable, Putin says

He said that the country’s economic growth is at 4.1%

Yesterday, 14:48

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfield, weapons enterprise over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 80 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility in the Belgorod direction over the past day, the ministry reported

Putin emphasizes importance of Syria’s integrity in phone call with Erdogan

The leaders also pointed to "the need to render all possible assistance to its government and people with a view to enhancing political stability and observing the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic and confessional groups there"

Yesterday, 15:23

Paris summit fails to reach consensus on military mission to Ukraine — Macron

The French president acknowledged that the format of the "support forces" would also require additional discussions

Yesterday, 15:32

Polish PM Tusk says no decision made to send troops to Ukraine at Paris meeting

Donald Tusk noted that "it is already clear that the United Kingdom, France and some other countries" are ready to send a mission in Ukraine to "monitor the observance of peace"

What is known about the return of 25 Kursk Region residents from Ukraine to Russia

Among the returnees there are several elderly individuals, with the oldest being 92 years old

Ukraine talks see progress — Trump

"I think we're making progress, but there's a lot of ill will between the parties," the US leader said, commenting on the situation in Ukraine

Europe can provide no guarantees for peace in Ukraine without US — Hungary’s PM

Viktor Orban reminded that the two largest European countries - France and Germany - had once participated in the preparation of the Minsk agreements on the settlement in Ukraine, but they failed to be implemented

Yesterday, 11:16

EU outraged over being excluded from discussions on Nord Stream pipelines — Politico

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Channel One that Moscow and Washington were discussing the Nord Stream issue

Yesterday, 16:28

China ready to actively cooperate with Russia, Iran at sea — defense ministry

"Starting from 2019, China, Iran and Russia have successfully held five joint maritime exercises," Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian recalled

Russia says Western sanctions may become impetus to set up Large Eurasian Partnership

The Greater Eurasian Partnership is an initiative proposed by Putin, which he put forward in an address to the Federal Assembly in 2015

Yesterday, 21:11

Arctic cooperation affected by West’s course towards confrontation with Russia — Putin

The president went on to say that certain Western politicians and party leaders flaunt their green agenda and environmental concerns, but "do quite the opposite in reality"

EU initiates preparations for 17th sanctions package against Russia

According to the source, the EU’s foreign service and the European Commission are actively engaged in this effort

Russia supports peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict with root causes removed — Putin

The Russian leader described the conflict as complex and demanding a "careful approach"

Putin appoints deputy commander of Russia’s Navy

The Russian leader added that Gudkov’s purview will also involve the command of marines and all artillery and missile coastal troops

Russian troops liberate five communities in Ukraine operation over week

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted more than 545 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy tanks and two US-made armored personnel carriers in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported

Russia reserves right not to follow moratorium on strikes violated by Kiev — Kremlin

"It would be illogical for us to observe - and face every night attempts of striking against facilities of our energy infrastructure," Dmitry Peskov noted

About 99% of LPR, more than 70% of DPR, Novorossiya liberated, says Putin

According to the Russian president, "along the entire line of engagement, the strategic initiative is fully with the Russian Armed Forces"

Yesterday, 13:30

Houthis say hit Ben Gurion Airport, military facility in Tel Aviv with missiles

"The objectives of the operation have been successfully achieved," the movement’s military spokesperson said

Russia turns UN Security Council's attention to Gutsul's detention — permanent mission

This is yet another instance of the Moldovan government persecuting the political opposition in the country Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said

Yesterday, 14:20

Pharaoh tomb 3,600 years old discovered in Egypt — media

Archaeologists first discovered a pharaoh's tomb at Abydos more than 10 years ago, providing evidence of a "lost" royal dynasty at the site

Trump sincerely wants to end Ukraine conflict — Putin

He reiterated that Russia supports the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict

Russian embassy slams UK, France for trying to undermine efforts to resolve Ukraine issue

Russian diplomats stressed that "instead of making far-fetched claims against Russia, London should stop covering up its Kiev minions" and "finally pay attention to the Ukrainian army’s ongoing attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, let alone the hunt for Russian journalists that Ukrainian terrorists organized"

Trump serious about normalization with Russia, EU has no option — ex-US intel official

Graham Fuller did not rule out that Europe would also move towards normalizing relations with Russia in the foreseeable future

Yesterday, 21:15

UNESCO chief condemns killing of Russian journalists in LPR — statement

"I condemn the killing of Alexander Fedorchak, Andrey Panov, and Alexander Sirkeli and call for a thorough and transparent investigation," Audrey Azoulay said

Europe wants no peace as refuses to lift anti-Russian sanctions — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that the provisions of the Black Sea initiative are nothing new, as they were outlined in the first agreement, guaranteed by the UN

Yesterday, 07:34

Ukrainian combat group hits its own mines upon escape from Sudzha — Russian army engineer

There were both wheeled and tracked vehicles with Ukrainian crews and military personnel blown up on the minefields, he specified

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Kiev challenges Black Sea deal as the US reasserts China as its top rival

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 27th

Putin proposes introducing UN external governance in Ukraine to hold election

The Russian president reiterated that such precedents under the auspices of the UN existed in East Timor, New Guinea and parts of former Yugoslavia

Press review: Germany mulls Nord Stream restoration as Zaporozhye NPP sparks talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 28th

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'

Russian envoy submits credentials to US Department of State

According to a TASS correspondent, the ceremony was held in the Blair House, an official residence in Washington, DC

Yesterday, 14:01

IN BRIEF: Ukraine continues to attack Russian energy sites

TASS has compiled the main information about the attacks

Yesterday, 15:35

Over 3,300 foreign mercenaries take part in armed conflict in Ukraine — investigators

"A total of 871 now have a warrant out for their arrest," the statement says

Yesterday, 15:14

Russia needs to strengthen infrastructure, protect environment in Arctic — Putin

The president added that it is necessary to consistently improve the urban environment, enhance the settlements of the Far North, and generally raise the quality of life, "so that they could have interesting, good, well-paid jobs, as well as access to modern education and healthcare services, making the Arctic truly comfortable and attractive to live in"

Russia’s deputy PM names Europe’s reluctance to trade with Russia its own problem

Alexey Overchuk agreed with the assertion that the current situation is the result of a disconnect between politicians and analysts in Europe

Trump may reduce US military presence in Europe — Swedish defense minister

According to the minister, European countries "must one way or another take more responsibility in regard to ensuring the security" of the continent

Russia to do everything possible to bolster its Navy — Putin

The Russian leader added that the strategy of developing the Navy and shipbuilding until 2050 is in the works

Russia categorically against deployment of foreign military in Ukraine — senator

Grigory Karasin noted that this would lead "to a prolongation of the conflict, to new skirmishes, to new information and military schemes"

Yesterday, 18:35

Far North airports to be upgraded — Putin

According to the Russian leader, sixteen airports of the Arctic zone will be modernized in coming years

Ukraine reports tense frontline situation in Zaporozhye area

Ukrainian military commanders of various ranks have been characterizing the operational and strategic situation as complex lately

Russia’s FSB reports foiling terrorist attack in a Moscow office building

The suspect recounted that in February he was recruited by Ukraine’s special services and took from a stash an improvised explosive device with a timer for planting it in a Moscow office building, according to the FSB

Russian embassy slams British PM’s ceasefire deadline idea as 'absurd'

"The arbitrary deadlines Starmer hastily devised in his remarks to journalists are completely unfounded — especially given London’s clear intent to derail any peace initiatives," the statement reads

FSB nabs member of terrorist neo-Nazi cell in Crimea for plotting to set mosque on fire

According to the report, the attacker kept in touch with the leader of a terrorist cell from Ukraine

Yesterday, 15:08

G7 countries have no right to criticize China on nuclear weapons — defense ministry

Wu Qian also called upon the G7 nations to move away from the Cold War mentality and ideological biases, and to stop dictating to others

Yesterday, 12:26

Russian President Putin arrives in Murmansk on working visit

The head of state last visited the northwest Russian region in July 2023

Yesterday, 15:38

United States’ urge to negotiate indicates inability to defeat Russia — lawmaker

This means only one thing for us, that we must multiply all our efforts in opposing the West in economics, in the military field, in diplomacy, and in basic issues of morality," Alexander Babakov stated

Russian forces liberate Gogolevka: situation in Kursk Region

Russian troops are engaged in fighting in the center of Guyevo in the Kursk Region, facing the most skilled units of the Ukrainian army's special operations forces

IN BRIEF: What we know about detention of Gagauzia’s head Evghenia Gutsul

On March 25, Evghenia Gutsul was detained at the Chisinau Airport

EU leaders prepare for conflict with Russia, Hungary will not go to war — Orban

While Europe continues to speculate that the Ukrainian conflict could spread across the continent, the Hungarian prime minister dismissed this notion, stating, "This is not true"

Yesterday, 18:20

Teenage Russian actress placed on Ukraine's undesirable persons database

The girl, only 14 years old, becomes one of the youngest individuals on the list

Yesterday, 14:53

British PM urges not to lift, but to strengthen sanctions against Russia

Keir Starmer also noted that the session, attended by nearly 30 states, focused on the determination to support Kiev and secure peace in Ukraine, including plans for military operations on land, in the air, or at sea

Yesterday, 16:53

Ukraine to suggest plan of European military deployment within 7-10 days

At the same time, Zelensky admitted that the question of Ukraine’s NATO membership is out of discussion

Yesterday, 21:13

Second round of Russia-US consultations may take place in Riyadh in mid-April — source

"Technical consultations between Russia and the United States are to continue," the source said

Yesterday, 15:13

Ukrainian lawmakers admit that new version of minerals deal tougher than last one

Verkhovna Rada deputy Alexey Goncharenko (listed as a terrorist and extremist in Russia) also lamented the fact that the previous version of the document was way more lax on Ukraine. Now, due to Zelensky’s incompetence, he has hurt every citizen in his country, Yaroslav Zheleznyak said

Building falls in Bangkok due to earthquake — newspaper

Earlier, a TASS correspondent reported that in Bangkok, residents of multi-storey buildings were evacuated because of the earthquake

Russian forces breach Ukrainian defenses, advance near DPR’s Katerinovka — expert

Andrey Marochko added that some of the Ukrainian army units, which had become fragmented following the breakthrough by Russian Armed Forces, retreated and reinforced their positions south of Katerinovka

Neo-Nazi views have great influence in Ukraine, Putin says

Putin said during a meeting with the servicemen of the Arkhangelsk nuclear-powered submarine of the Yasen-M class (Project 885M)

Sudzha gas metering station 'virtually destroyed': new Ukrainian attacks on energy sites

The drones were targeting the infrastructure of the Saratov oil refinery

Yesterday, 19:00

Putin visits Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine

This advanced fourth-generation multipurpose nuclear submarine entered service with the Russian Navy on December 27, 2024

Almost 80 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian regions last night

Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin said that no one was injured in last night’s Ukrainian drone attack on the region

Russia proposed peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict back in 2022, Putin says

He also reiterated that during talks, Russia had also achieved certain agreements with Ukraine which were later discarded by the Kiev regime

Yesterday, 21:08

US plans to increase its Arctic military presence — Russian presidential adviser

"Today, airfield infrastructure for aircraft capable of carrying nuclear and high-precision weapons is under construction in the [Arctic] region, in addition to currently active ballistic missile warning systems and reconnaissance satellite control stations," said Anton Kobyakov

Lithuania's territorial claims against Russia justify Moscow's actions — Kremlin

Earlier, the Lithuanian president referred to Kaliningrad as part of "Little Lithuania"

Foreign mercenaries are liability for Ukrainian military, expert says

Ruslan Pukhov also warned that the Ukrainian army could become a global concern once the conflict concludes

Russia did not initiate combat in Ukraine, Putin says

Putin emphasized that for eight years, Russia has been trying to settle the Ukrainian issue peacefully

Mass rapid transit system in Bangkok suspends service in wake of earthquake

"The MRT is closed and we don’t know when it will resume operation," a station operator told TASS

Yesterday, 17:42

Russia to put new generation icebreakers into service — Putin

Russia already has the largest icebreaker fleet globally, the head of state noted

Yesterday, 21:07

Putin describes floating out of Perm nuclear sub as milestone for Russian Navy

"It is supposed to enter service with the Russian Navy and to start performing its combat tasks next year," the president added

Yesterday, 21:19

Russia will do its best to maintain status of powerful seafaring nation — Putin

"We will build new surface ships and submarines, and improve their performance" and "they need to correspond to present-day standards and to be, of course, combat-ready and effective in the near term," he said

Yesterday, 14:15

Ukraine not ready to sign revised minerals deal with US — lawmaker

Yaroslav Zheleznyak presented a copy of the document to prove that he was not making all this up

Russian forces to overwhelm Ukrainian troops, Putin believes

"There are grounds to think that we will finish them off," the Russian leader said

Yesterday, 21:04

Putin gives go-ahead to launch Perm nuclear submarine

"Go ahead!" the Russian leader said

Yesterday, 13:54

Russia says concerned over Kiev’s bill granting sweeping power to police

"It seems that the Kiev regime is planning a scenario worse than the sniper shootings during the Maidan," Maria Zakharova concluded

Yesterday, 14:26

Russia's envoy to UN calls for moving towards new global paradigm not dominated by West

"Russia, remaining committed to the legacy of the Yalta Conference, consistently promotes, including via the UN, the principles of the UN Charter's essential role," Vasily Nebenzya said

Iran sends its official response to Trump’s letter via Oman

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the message comprises two documents

Two days ago, 00:38

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'

Hungary wants explanation from Brussels about preparations for war with Russia — Szijjarto

"We are waiting for the European Commission to answer the question of why we now need to develop a 72-hour survival plan," the Hungarian foreign minister said

Yesterday, 16:08

US will not withdraw troops from Europe or fold nuclear umbrella — expert

Dmitry Suslov noted that Donald Trump administration aims to reduce the strength of US forces in Europe to levels that existed before the onset of the Ukrainian conflict

Russian army sticks to moratorium on strikes on energy facilities — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Ukraine continued to assault Russian energy infrastructure

Lavrov to discuss Ukraine with visiting China’s top diplomat on April 1

The two top diplomats will discuss the most pressing international issues, including prospects of resolving the Ukraine crisis, the ministry specified

IN BRIEF: Major earthquake strikes Southeast Asia

The quake caused casualties in Myanmar, and the United States Geological Survey predicts that the death toll could surpass 1,000

IN BRIEF: What we know about impacts of earthquake in Myanmar, Thailand

Chinese seismologists believe the epicenter lay at a depth of 30 km

EU not present at Russia-US talks on Ukraine at fault of Brussels — Austrian ex-chancellor

On March 24, representatives of Russia and the United States met in Riyadh to discuss the resumption of the Black Sea initiative

Yesterday, 15:04

Participants of Ukraine summit in Paris oppose lifting anti-Russian sanctions — Macron

The French president pointed out that the European Union has no legal basis for seizing frozen Russian assets

American bases to be targeted if US invades Iran, says Iranian parliament speaker

US Presidential National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated on February 23 that Washington was considering all options regarding Iran’s nuclear program

Yesterday, 09:16

Gagauzia head urges Putin to help with her release

According to Yevgenia Gutsul, Chisinau is disregarding all principles of democracy and international law, consistently and methodically provoking internal confrontation

Yesterday, 13:36

Houthis attack another US aircraft carrier in Red Sea — spokesman

According to Yahya Saria, by striking the aircraft carrier, the Houthis prevented "the enemy's attempts to redeploy its warships to the southern Red Sea and expand its aggression against Yemen