Middle East conflict

2 Apr, 07:38

Israeli defense chief announces expansion of ground assault in Gaza for pressure on Hamas

"This is the only way to end the war," Israel Katz said

TEL AVIV, April 2. /TASS/. The Israeli army will expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on Hamas, Israel’s defense chief, Israel Katz, announced as he called on Gazans to "act now to remove" the Palestinian radical group.

"The `Strength and Sword’ operation in Gaza will be expanded to crush and clear the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure, while seizing large areas that will be incorporated into Israel’s security zone," the Israeli Defense Ministry quoted Katz as saying.

"Expanding the operation this morning will increase the pressure on the Hamas murderers and also on the population in Gaza and advance the achievement of the sacred and important goal for all of us. I call on the residents of Gaza to act now to remove Hamas and return all the hostages. This is the only way to end the war," Katz explained.

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip, launching massive strikes on the enclave and thus breaking the ceasefire established in January this year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Israel had restarted military operations in Gaza after Hamas rejected the US proposals put forward by mediators and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. The office stated that the Israeli military had resumed strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza to secure the release of hostages and that the army would escalate its campaign in the enclave. The extremists have blamed the United States for the renewal of Israeli aggression.

South Korea sets June 3 as provisional date for snap presidential election — agency

According to Yonhap's source, the decision will be approved during a Cabinet meeting

Yesterday, 00:13

President of Zimbabwe announces suspension of duties on US goods

The US introduced 18% import duties on goods from Zimbabwe in response to 35% tariffs in Zimbabwe on US imports, as Washington stated

Yesterday, 09:59

American Tater forcibly hospitalized with mental disorder in Moscow

Psychiatrists diagnosed Joseph Tater with mental health

Sony turns small profit in Russia for first time since 2021

In March 2022, Sony suspended supplies of gaming consoles, accessories and games to Russia, as well as the operation of its Playstation Store

Confirmed SPIEF participants above last-year record — director

The interest in taking part in SPIEF is driven by equal opportunities provided by the forum to all the participants, Alexey Valkov said

Russia intends to sign this year strategic cooperation agreement with Venezuela — Embassy

Two days ago, 20:05

Ukrainian attack that killed female civilian in DPR involved Slovakian-made missiles

The attack also involved 122 mm projectiles

US stock indexes nosedive as China strikes back with tariffs

The Wall Street Journal writes that over the past two days, since the introduction by US President Donald Trump of new customs duties, the American stock market has lost $6.4 trillion

Yesterday, 14:10

Court says seizes $66.4 mln of Chubais, 7 others’ assets on Rusnano suit

According to investigators, the wrongdoers took illegal actions to reclassify financial obligations in 2017 to conceal the company’s poor performance

Two days ago, 14:25

Trump’s new tariffs pave way for new world order, says top EU lawmaker

In an interview with the Funke media group, he pointed out that "the Trump administration is bringing fundamental things into question for no reason at all"

Two days ago, 23:42

Russia’s potential control over Ukrainian resources to be disaster for the West — Politico

At the same time, mineral resources mining in Ukraine as part of the potential deal between Kiev and Washington " will cost billions and could take decades," the news outlet noted

Yesterday, 00:49

Brother of Syrian president to lead administration’s work — TV

Maher al-Sharaa was appointed to the position of the secretary general of the presidential service, Syria TV said

Yesterday, 00:58

Russian defense ministry claims $136,200 from warships design bureau

The court session is scheduled for May 13

Russia ready to help Burkina Faso maintain national security — Lavrov

The statement followed a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Burkina Faso counterpart Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore

Russian army foils Ukrainian forces’ attempts to restart Nikolayev port — Kherson governor

Vladimir Saldo said that military is currently monitoring not only the territory of the Kherson Region but also the approach routes

Yesterday, 19:25

Iranian foreign minister says no negotiations with US after exchange of letters

According to Araghchi, the United States "can only dream" of striking a deal with Iran similar to the one that Libya signed in 2003, when the country abandoned the idea of creating weapons of mass destruction, and began demilitarization

Ukrainian elections, necessary for legitimacy of peace agreements, won’t be democratic

Parliamentary and presidential elections are not held in Ukraine due to martial law

Two days ago, 22:42

Houthis claims attack against US carrier group

Strikes against US warships "continued for several hours" and prevented US attacks against Yemen’s regions controlled by the rebels, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea added

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Armenian president signs law launching EU accession process

On March 26, Armenian legislators passed the second and final reading of the law on setting the country’s EU accession process into motion

Yesterday, 13:06

Russian army liberates Basovka in Sumy Region — top brass

In the past day, Ukraine lost more than 170 servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, 12 automobiles, as well as three UAV control points and an ammunition depot in the Kursk direction

Residents of Zaporozhye, Gulyaipole await liberation, Russia conducts targeted attacks

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the sovereignty, patriotic projects and support for veterans commission of Russia’s Civic Chamber, said, that the Russian Armed Forces are conducting targeted attacks

EU is 'sinking ship' — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited US President Donald Trump's recently announced tariffs as further evidence that the EU's previously projected GDP growth targets would miss their mark

Trump's tariffs could plunge world into third global recession in last 20 years — Axios

The portal quoted consulting company Evercore as saying that in 2024, the US imported $3.3 trillion worth of goods, or more than $25,000 per household

Yesterday, 05:35

Russian army extensively advances in Kupyansk direction — expert

"Though the advances here are quite small, they are observed on a broad section of the front stretching more than 35 kilometers," Andrey Marochko

Yesterday, 17:23

US Commerce Secretary confirms no plans to postpone retaliatory duties

Howard Lutnick also explained that the US imposed 10% tariffs on the islands of McDonald and Heard in the Indian Ocean, which are inhabited only by penguins, so that other countries could not use them as a loophole

Yesterday, 13:23

RDIF sees requests galore to return to Russia from US firms, including energy companies

"I think the focus on joint partnerships is the right focus for further cooperation with American businesses, which, yes, are really interested in working in Russia," fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev said

Two days ago, 15:00

Ukrainian strikes on Gorlovka leave four civilians injured

Ukrainian attacks also damaged a healthcare facility in downtown Gorlovka; seven residential compounds and settlements were left without power

11 Dec 2018, 05:10

Russia calls on US not to turn a blind eye on Kiev’s preparations for Donbass offensive

According to the DPR’s reconnaissance data, Ukrainian troops plan to seize the DPR’s Novoazovsky and Temanovsky districts and take control over the border section with Russia

Yesterday, 07:47

Direct Iran-US talks pointless — foreign minister

"Direct negotiations would be meaningless with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions from its various officials," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said

Macron ready to become Europe’s point man to hold talks with Russia — newspaper

According to the source, the French leader is said to be willing to take up the leadership role "when the time is right"

1 Apr 2024, 05:03

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Zakharova calls London’s demands to declare Russian-related activities absurd

The diplomat referred to Britain’s intention to introduce an "enhanced" control regime against Russia as part of the future Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

Two days ago, 22:38

Time has come to stop war in Ukraine, Musk says

US businessman said that he has 'no respect for the warmongers'

Yesterday, 19:25

Thousands rally in support of Le Pen in Paris

Le Pen speaking at the demonstration on the Vauban Square in the VII arrondissement called her trial political and promised that she would continue the fight "to victory"

Dmitriev's visit to US shows no venom in Trump's harsh Russia talk — expert

Sergey Oznobishchev commented on Donald Trump's recent sharp remarks, particularly the US leader's assertion that Moscow's statements regarding the Ukrainian settlement were not constructive

Yesterday, 13:08

New Russia-US contacts may take place next week — RDIF head

Kirill Dmitriyev’s visit marked the first time since 2022 that a high-profile Russian official traveled to the US capital for talks

Israel obtains proof of Iran’s direct relationship with Hamas — Defense Minister Katz

According to him, In the document, the Hamas leaders ask of the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force to transfer $500 million

Yesterday, 14:44

Iran’s Supreme Leader puts army on high alert — Reuters

Reuters said that Iran rejected direct negotiations with the US on a nuclear deal, but wants to continue indirect negotiations through Oman, a longtime channel for messages between the rival states

15 Jul 2020, 20:04

Russia calling on Georgia to cease border provocations and begin dialogue

Russia concerned over increased cases of illegal border crossings from Georgia

Yesterday, 21:04

IDF attacks Gaza rocket launcher, from which Israel was shelled

The army added that the IDF 'will continue to act to eliminate any threat to the Israeli civilian population'

Nearly half of states attending UNHRC session oppose anti-Russian resolution

The ten-page document uses assessments and narratives typical of the states on Russia's list of unfriendly states

Yesterday, 23:02

Price of Brent oil down below $64 per barrel on ICE for first time since April 26, 2021

Meanwhile, the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for May delivery was down by 3.36% at $59.92 per barrel

Entire America rooted for Ovechkin in his chase for NHL’s all-time goal record — Embassy

According to the statement of the Russian diplomatic mission in the United States, 'this is what sport should be - beyond borders and politics'

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds eleven US companies to unreliable entities list

Restrictions were introduced "for protection of national sovereignty, security and interests of development"

Two days ago, 12:22

Ukrainian forces lost over 210 servicemen in Kursk direction — Defense Ministry

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, during the fighting in the Kursk direction, the enemy lost more than 72,150 servicemen

South Korea sets June 3 as provisional date for snap presidential election — agency

According to Yonhap's source, the decision will be approved during a Cabinet meeting

Yesterday, 17:21

Over 50 countries contact White House to start trade talks — Trump advisor

Kevin Hassett also said that Washington did not slap duties on Moscow, as US President Donald Trump does not want this topic to interfere with the negotiations on a peaceful settlement of in Ukraine

Two days ago, 15:37

US Treasury chief blames Zelensky for derailing ‘easiest’ deal on natural resources

The first version of the deal was not signed because of a verbal spat between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28

International exchanges falling on Friday

This is the greatest dip of the index during a single trading day over five years, Sky News television said

Two days ago, 14:16

OPEC+ monitoring committee reviews oil production data for January, February

In addition, the committee "valued the additional voluntary production adjustments made by the eight OPEC+ countries, which were announced in April and November 2023 in supporting market stability"

Yesterday, 10:03

Poland completes installation of e-dams on rivers along Belarus border

The electronic barrier constitutes a system of video surveillance and motion sensors

Two days ago, 20:47

Qatar hosts talks between DR Congo's government, M23 rebels — AFP

Further consultations were expected to take place with Qatar’s support

Yesterday, 06:52

Thai deputy PM to visit US for talks after 36% duties imposed

"Next week, Deputy Prime Minister Pichai will meet with both US officials and private sector representatives to address these changes," Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said

Yesterday, 17:21

US Treasury head says confident new duties not to trigger recession

Bessent said that new customs duties are necessary, adding that other states "have been bad actors for a long time" and the accumulate problems cannot be solved within a few days or weeks

Yesterday, 14:15

Iranian MP calls for creation of nuclear weapons for equal dialogue with West

Member of the Mejlis Mohammad Qasim Osmani said that despite the costs, Tehran will benefit from a nuclear bomb in all areas, including national security

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds 16 US companies to export control list

Trade with the listed companies is prohibited without obtaining special authorization from the Chinese government

Gold futures drop below $3,000 per troy ounce, first time since March 17

As of 2:45 a.m. Moscow time (11:45 p.m. GMT, Sunday), the drop in the price slowed down by 1.16%

Yesterday, 20:42

Ovechkin beats Gretzky to become best sniper in NHL Regular Season

The goal in the away match against the New York Islanders was forward's 895th

Trump claims China makes mistake following Beijing’s announcement of tariffs on US goods

The Tariff Commission of the State Council announced earlier that Chinese authorities would impose additional tariffs of 34% on all products imported from the United States

Russia supplied 100,000 tons of oil to Cuba on February 19 — deputy PM

Dmitry Chernyshenko said that Russia will continue providing Cuba with economic support and humanitarian aid along bilateral channels

Two days ago, 20:33

Russian gas supplies may resume in coming years, says German official

Prime minister of Thuringia Mario Voigt also highlighted the need for Berlin to pursue a policy aimed at protecting Germany’s interests

EU’s absence at negotiations on Ukrainian conflict settlement is natural — Russia’s envoy

Mikhail Ulyanov also commented on various mass media reports regarding a consensus on the composition of a hypothetical EU delegation to the negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict settlement

Yesterday, 06:34

Ukraine deploys contracted soldiers 18-24 y.o. to Liptsy direction

The source also noted that Russian forces had previously eliminated some of the more experienced soldiers from this formation

Tehran purchases Russian Su-35 fighter jets — Iranian general

"Any time that we have the need, we will purchase military equipment for strengthening our Air Force, Army and Navy," Ali Shadmani said

Russia plans to maintain second place in global gold production in coming years

Gold production data in Russia has not been officially disclosed since 2022

Press review: Putin’s envoy holds talks with Trump's team as experts analyze tariff impact

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 4th

Two days ago, 19:10

Israeli army conducts raid on former Syrian army headquarters — statement

In addition, Israeli forces "located and confiscated additional weapons, including mortars and dozens of rockets"

Russia, US trade relations virtually nonexistent — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that Moscow is unlikely to experience any positive effects from the US tariffs, as the turmoil in the global economy will require careful actions from Russia

Two days ago, 14:29

Death toll from Myanmar earthquake rises to 3,455 — agency

According to the news agency, 4,840 people were injured and 214 are missing

Yesterday, 03:27

1.9 mln Palestinians displaced involuntarily due to situation in Gaza — news agency

The recent violation of the ceasefire regime in the Gaza Strip caused the next wave of relocation covering more than 142,000 people, UNRWA added

US ready to consider expansion of number of NATO nuclear missions participants — Pentagon

Russia has consistently said that the continued practice of so-called joint nuclear missions in NATO runs contrary to the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Two days ago, 20:14

Musk warns of rising threat of terrorism in Europe

Earlier, he warned of the dangers of mass migration, which, in his view, can destroy any country

Russian stock market indices falling on Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 2.71% to 2,781.97 points, while the RTS Index edged down by 2.59% to 1,039.88 points

Bank of Russia lowers official dollar rate to 84.28 rubles for April 5-7

The official euro rate was reduced by 18 kopecks to 92.9855 rubles

Trump declares state of emergency in the US due to economic situation — White House

As the document notes, "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries"

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

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

23 Aug 2021, 16:34

Hungary to start gas pumping over southern direction by October — Russian Foreign Ministry

Last June, Hungary negotiated deliveries of 4.2 bln cubic meters of gas from October 2020 to October 2021 with the Russian gas holding Gazprom

Yesterday, 01:34

Drone hunting unmanned surface vehicles to be tested in Russia

The aircraft will be launched by hand without using any auxiliary devices

Two days ago, 20:02

Protesters across US rally against Trump, Musk — TV

CNN points out that some 600,000 people have signed up to attend the events

Russia shoots down Ukrainian Baba Yaga UAV in Kherson Region

During the inspection, sappers found 36 self-made pressure mines in one of the two compartments, each of which was carefully camouflaged with dry grass

UN believes nobody can win trade war — spokesperson

The starting trade war will adversely affect implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, Stephane Dujarric added

Two days ago, 21:32

Dozens of thousands of people protesting against Trump’s policy in Washington

The demonstration stretched all over the central boulevard in the US capital from the Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial

Yesterday, 08:33

Most Moldovans wish to restore strategic partnership with Russia — ex-leader

Igor Dodon highlighted the longstanding ties between the nations, noting their "strong friendship, fruitful cooperation, and shared historical, cultural and spiritual roots"

Two days ago, 21:47

New US duties may cost France more than 0.5% of GDP — PM

The dramatic increase of tariffs made by the US President threatens by job cuts

Two days ago, 03:30

Kiev forces lost up to 430 personnel in Battlegroup Center’s zone of responsibility

The Battlegroup Center continues to advance deep into the enemy's defenses and liberated the settlement of Uspenovka of the Donetsk People's Republic

Rubio says unaware of proposal to resume flights between US, Russia

On February 27, the Russian delegation proposed to restore direct flights between the two countries at talks with the United States in Istanbul

Yesterday, 17:22

G7 foreign ministers say concerned about China's military drills near Taiwan

G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue

Yesterday, 13:07

Russia strikes Ukraine’s central arms artillery base, defense enterprises — top brass

The strike’s goal has been achieved, its targets have been hit, the Defense Ministry said

Yesterday, 03:10

Gutsul’s defense counsel accuses Moldovan special service of gross interference in process

The defense believes that charges voiced in mass media by Moldovan government and law enforcement representatives that Gutsul allegedly took money from a criminal group, are unjustified

Yesterday, 04:04

Battlegroup West destroyed five Starlink terminals — spokesman

Air defense crews destroyed two HIMARS projectiles and 22 fixed-wing drones

Yesterday, 15:21

Iran to only negotiate with US on nuclear program — deputy speaker of parliament

Haji Babaee also said that Tehran had refused direct talks with Washington because of its failure to fulfill its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and constant threats and sanctions

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

Russia’s economic growth is currently approaching 'zero' — expert

Alexander Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy

Medvedev calls Russia's latest missiles best cure for Russophobia

The politician said that Russophobia stems from "bipolar affective exaggeration of Russia’s influence on the life of Europe and Europeans" and alternates between manic and depressive phases

Russia capable of rapid military personnel expansion — Pentagon

Cavoli is also head of the European Command of the US army

Yesterday, 02:21

Xi Jinping is winner in trade war with Donald Trump — WSJ

China responded to the recent increase of US duties by announcing the 34% tariff on the US goods, starting from the next week

23 Aug 2021, 10:51

Putin concerned over potential threats from Afghanistan, Kremlin says

"President Putin, like other heads of state and government, expressed deep concern over the events in Afghanistan, the potential threats coming from Afghanistan," Dmitry Peskov added

Trump expects $6-7 trillion in investment to come to US after new tariffs take effect

US stocks started the day in the red, with the key indexes falling by 2.9-4.6%

Porsche denies mass media reports on plans to resume arms manufacturing

The Europaische Sicherheit und Technik web portal informed earlier that Porsche is considering the return to the arms market

Two days ago, 17:52

Russian goalkeeper wins France's Ligue 1 football championship as part of PSG FC

PSG’s league title is their fourth in a row and 13th in total