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Middle East conflict

Qatari PM acts as go-between as Hamas reaches out to US envoy Witkoff — TV

The broadcaster highlights Doha’s efforts to resume indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement

CAIRO, April 21. /TASS/. The radical Palestinian movement Hamas has passed a proposal over to Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, so that he can hand it over to US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, the Al Hadath TV channel reported.

According to the broadcaster’s sources, the proposal outlines Hamas’ vision for a post-war Gaza. In it, the group states its willingness to abandon the enclave’s governance. The Qatari premier is expected to hand the message over to Witkoff at their upcoming meeting. However, Al Hadath does not specify when the meeting is going to take place. The broadcaster highlights Doha’s efforts to resume indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

On January 15, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to release the hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire in the enclave. The three-phase deal took effect on January 19. During its first phase, which ended on March 1, the parties were supposed to agree on the implementation of the second phase of the deal but they failed to do so. On March 18, the Israeli military resumed military operations in Gaza, carrying out intensive strikes on the enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the move was due to Hamas’s rejection of proposals put forward by mediators and Witkoff, and added that the goal of the operation was to ensure the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Hamas, in turn, blamed Israel and the US for the resumption of military activities.

On April 17, Hamas announced that the latest Israeli ceasefire proposal included impossible conditions. However, Hamas’ leader in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya stated that the radicals were ready to engage in talks on the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, a complete ceasefire in the enclave, the withdrawal of all Israeli forces, the start of reconstruction works and the lifting of the Gaza blockade. According to the latest data from Israel, Hamas and its allies still hold 59 hostages in the Gaza Strip. One of the hostages is Maxim Kharkin, a native of Donbass whose close relatives are Russian nationals.

China supports all efforts to establish peace in Ukraine — MFA

Lin Jian highlighted China’s readiness "to work together with the international community on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and to continue playing a positive role in resolving the conflict"

Hungarian PM’s office rules out his trip to Moscow for 80th anniversary of Victory

Gergely Gulyas was commenting on the decision of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to go to the Russian capital to celebrate the anniversary of Victory at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Putin accepts invitation to visit Abkhazia

During bilateral talks in the Kremlin, Gunba invited Putin to visit his country at any time he finds convenient

US approves Germany’s transfer of 100 Patriot missiles to Ukraine — NYT

According to the report, these weapons are manufactured on the US territory and cannot be handed over to a third country without the US government’s approval

Turkey ready to host talks on Ukraine — Erdogan

Erdogan also emphasized that "it is important to continue cooperation in the delicate process of resuming permanent peace talks between Ukraine and Russia and the reconstruction of Ukraine"

Putin pledges to continue supporting South Ossetia in various spheres

He pledged support in "important areas, such as economy, social sphere, healthcare and education"

North Korean soldiers showed courage and heroism while liberating Kursk Region — Putin

North Korean servicemen professionally and conscientiously carried out the tasks of liberating the border areas of the Kursk region from Ukrainian formations, Putin emphasized

Fourth round of US-Iran talks kicks off in Muscat — news agency

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Baghaei said earlier that the fourth round of high-level talks will be held in parallel with technical consultations, during which the delegations will discuss the details of a potential agreement

Many world leaders traveled to Moscow for Victory Day defying pressure, Kremlin says

According to the Dennik news website, the Slovak prime minister's plane flew to Moscow on a longer, southern route because Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania denied the plane access to their airspace

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr destroys Ukrainian manpower in Zaporozhye Region

Grad MLRS teams effectively suppress artillery positions, destroy UAV control and stationing sites and make a substantial contribution to destroying the Ukrainian army’s manpower, hardware and military installations

China, US agree to create mechanism for trade and economic consultations — Xinhua

China and the US will soon agree on the relevant details and publish a joint statement on the results of the talks on May 12, the agency reported

Press review: 29 leaders to attend Moscow V-Day Parade as EU backs Russian gas ban by 2027

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 7th

Putin makes concession by offering Ukraine direct talks — Kneissl

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin in the early morning hours of May 11, the Russian head of state proposed to the Kiev authorities to resume direct talks without preconditions Ukraine had interrupted in 2022

Trump reports ‘great’ progress at US-China trade talks in Switzerland

The DPA news agency earlier reported that Chinese Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held two rounds of talks in Geneva on Saturday to resolve tensions amid the introduction of tit-for-tat tariffs

PREVIEW: US president embarks on foreign trip to Middle East

The official part will be held on May 13-16

Chinese foreign minister urges India and Pakistan to observe ceasefire

On May 10, Wang Yi held phone conversations with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval

Magnitude 5.6-magnitude earthquake rocks China

No injuries or damage were reported

Russian tech giant lauds T-90Ms, T-72B3Ms, T-80BVMs as world’s best serial-produced tanks

According to First Deputy CEO of the state tech corporation Rostec Vladimir Artyakov, this is the result of the well-coordinated work by the large staff of Rostec enterprises

Hamas, US in hold direct talks on Gaza — TV

According to its source in the radical organization, negotiations "have been going on for the past few days," the composition of the delegations has not been disclosed

US is ‘only side’ that can force Israel to stop war in Gaza — Palestinian Vice President

Hussein al-Sheikh said that "Hamas is part of the people and cannot be eliminated from the political life"

Russia now has no channels of dialogue with French president — Kremlin

Meanwhile, Macron, together with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, arrived in Kiev on Saturday

Top Russian defense official, Libyan National Army commander discuss situation in Libya

"The sides confirmed their mutual willingness to develop cooperation through the defense ministries of the two countries in order to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region," the statement said

Macron slams Russia's offer of talks 'unacceptable' for Kiev

"It is unacceptable for the Ukrainians because they cannot hold talks while they are being shelled," French President said

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Moscow now center of world politics and decision-making — senator

Commenting on Saturday's visit to Kiev by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, Kosachev noted that it had yielded nothing

MOEX Index up by more than 2% as morning trading session on Moscow Exchange opens

By 07:10 a.m. Moscow time, the Moscow Exchange Index slightly accelerated its growth and was at 2,915.89 points

MCV sales in Russia plummeted by 50% in April 2025

Sales in January-April 2025 declined by 36% to 4,400 units

Putin discusses with Erdogan his initiative to resume talks with Kiev

According to the Kremlin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has fully supported his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin's initiative to resume direct talks between Moscow and Kiev

Indian Air Force reports successful completion of Operation Sindoor

According to it, "operations are still ongoing" and a detailed report will be released in due course

Afghanistan bans chess over ‘religious considerations’

All events related to this sport have been canceled

Russia effectively develops cooperation with Islamic countries — Putin

For centuries, Russian multi-ethnic country has been open to broad cooperation with the countries of the Islamic world, the president noted

Negotiations proposal with Kiev aimed at eliminating root causes of crisis — United Russia

According to him, the president's peace initiative was expressed in a timely manner and its message is simple - Russia is not looking for "a temporary peace" and is ready to work on ironclad guarantees, which it expects from other participants in the process

At least 15 people killed by Israeli air force strike on a school in Gaza Strip — TV

Al Jazeera also reports that over the past 24 hours, during strikes and raids by the Israel Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip, at least 40 Palestinians were killed, over 80 were injured

Russian shooter Kuznetsova wins gold at 2025 ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Cyprus

Kuznetsova, who participated in the tournament under a neutral status, won the gold medal having scored 54 points hitting on the target

Zelensky says ready for talks in Istanbul

This statement came after US President Donald Trump called on Ukraine to immediately agree to the negotiations proposed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which could take place in Turkey on May 15

Russia to help Burkina Faso’s counter-terrorism effort - Putin

Russia and Burkina Faso have the common goal of combating terrorism, Putin said

EU gradually turning into 'European NATO,' Russian senator says

Pushkov stressed that the strengthening of military cooperation between the UK and the EU was being carried out on an anti-Russian basis

Dodik finds Putin’s decision to launch special military operation justified

The president of Republika Srpska described Putin as a "person who understands perfectly well where the world is, where Russia is"

Truce must be reached before negotiations on Ukraine — Kellogg

Earlier, US President Donald Trump welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to resume direct talks with Kiev

Russia sends new S-400 missiles to China to replace those damaged in 2017 — source

The first batch of S-400 missiles was sent to China at the end of 2017 on three ships, one of which got into a storm in the English Channel and had to return to the port

US optimistic about trade negotiations with China — Commerce Secretary

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant held two rounds of talks in Geneva on Saturday to resolve tensions in the wake of imposition of mutual customs duties

PM proposes Slovenia as venue for direct Russia-Ukraine talks

Robert Golob compared the possibility of holding talks in his country to the first meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart George W. Bush Jr. on Slovenian territory in 2001

Putin's proposals of talks shows distrust of Europe — newspaper

The newspaper emphasized that the Russian leader's latest words were an obvious move against Kiev's European partners

Representatives of over 150 countries invited to security meeting in Moscow in late May

The forum is expected to focus on international cooperation in the field of security

Coming to Istanbul and beginning negotiations is easy if Kiev wants it — Kremlin aide

A proposal on negotiations without preconditions has been made, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said

UN does not comment on Russia’s proposal of direct talks with Kiev

Earlier in the day, Putin suggested resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15

Hamas confirms plans to release hostage with U.S. citizenship

The movement stressed that the release of the prisoner should be "part of the measures taken to ensure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip"

Putin's offer of talks shows real desire for peace — Kremlin

"A lasting peace can be achieved only through serious negotiations, and the readiness for these negotiations has now been shown and demonstrated by the [Russian] president," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Ukraine violates ceasefire 14,043 times — top brass

According to it, the Russian Armed Forces mirrored the Ukrainian military's ceasefire violations and reacted adequately to the emerging situation

NATO countries launch massive anti-Russian campaign before May 9 — Piskarev

Head of a State Duma commission also noted that the commission had recorded "facts of desecration of war graves and memorials in 15 European countries, a ban on the performance of Soviet songs and marches of the war years

Iran may agree to limit level of uranium enrichment or volumes — Foreign Minister

The Iranian delegation at the consultations was led by Araghchi, while the American delegation was led by US special envoy Steven Witkoff

Russia to consider proposal for 30-day ceasefire, Kremlin spokesman tells CNN

Peskov noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin "announced a ceasefire for three days a few days ago"

Europeans annoyed by consolidation around Victory celebration in Moscow — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed this out, speaking about new sanctions threats and anti-Russian statements made by a number of European countries

Putin declares creation of unstoppable nuclear-powered missile

Putin showed a video modelling the flight of a nuclear power plant-equipped cruise missile circumventing missile defenses

Talks with Kiev and gratitude to foreign leaders — what Putin said after meetings

The Russian president said Kiev has repeatedly violated ceasefire agreements, but the ball is now in the Ukrainian government’s court and also thanked foreign partners for attending the festivities in Moscow and for their peace-oriented efforts

Extending May ceasefire was possible, depended on Kiev’s reaction — Putin

The president described the Victory Day as the holy day for Russia, because the Great Patriotic War claimed the lives of 27 million Soviet people

India made series of strikes against Pakistan’s air force bases — Geo TV

"Wait for our answer," Pakistan's Director General of Inter Services Public Relations, Lieutenant General Ahmed Shareef Chaudhry said

NATO top diplomats' meeting in Turkey happens to coincide with potential Ukraine talks

The diplomat emphasized that "the alliance can use the presence of its ministers in Turkey during the Russia-Ukraine talks to provide moral support to Kiev or to hold additional consultations with it in the course of the talks with Russia, if they take place"

Ukraine wants to avoid talks on settlement of conflict with Russia — Kremlin

Ceasefire negotiations were supported by President of Russia Vladimir Putin but he asked several questions, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Kremlin says necessary to clarify what Merz means when speaking about ceasefire in Ukraine

German chancellor said earlier that he expected "serious talks" to end the Ukraine conflict to start following this weekend

Trump to sign decree on May 12 to reduce drug prices in the US by 30-80%

US President stressed that he has been concerned for years about the high cost of drugs

US, China reach deal to cut trade deficit, US officials say, details on Monday — Reuters

Bessent told reporters that details would be announced on Monday and that U.S. President Donald Trump was fully aware of the results of the "productive talks"

Serious negotiations needed for lasting peace in Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15

As many as 230 air attacks by Ukrainian forces thwarted in a week in DPR

According to the FSB Directorate, the most intensive activity of enemy reconnaissance UAVs over the regional capital was recorded on the eve of the Victory Day celebration

Bitcoin price exceeds $105,000 for the first time since January 31

By 04:19 a.m. Moscow time (01:19 a.m. GMT) its price slowed its growth and was at $104,495

Hostage with US citizenship may be released in Gaza on May 12 — The Times of Israel

According to the source, the negotiating group has set the goal to secure Edan Alexander's release at the beginning of the coming week

Russia holds Victory Day Parade on Moscow’s Red Square

The parade began with a march of the banner group of the Preobrazhensky Regiment Honor Guard’s unit carrying the Russian national flag and the legendary Victory Banner across Red Square

Victory Day ceasefire declared by Russia expires

Vladimir Zelensky publicly rejected the initiative

Kiev left Russia’s Victory Day ceasefire proposal unanswered — Putin

Shortly after Russia announced this proposal on May 5, the Kiev government launched large-scale attacks overnight to May 7, noted president

Coming to Istanbul and beginning negotiations is easy if Kiev wants it — Kremlin aide

"A proposal on negotiations without preconditions has been made," Yury Ushakov noted

Trump welcomes Russia's initiative on talks with Ukraine, unlike Macron — senator

Alexey Pushkov noted that Trump's reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer of talks is quite different from that of Macron, who is trying to dictate his own terms

US priority for Ukraine is ‘an immediate ceasefire’ — Rubio

"The Secretary expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications," the statement says

Ukraine says ready for talks with Russia only after ceasefire

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to the Kiev authorities to resume without preconditions the direct talks they had interrupted at the end of 2022

Russian LNG supplies to China up 3.3% in 2024 to 8.3 mln tons

Russia is the third-biggest LNG supplier to Beijing after Australia and Qatar

Turkey’s Istanbul Canal bid may undermine Russia’s support of its regional allies — expert

The pundit believes that the construction of the waterway is a continuation of Ankara’s policy aimed at establishing itself as a regional center of power

Kurdish PKK decides to dissolve itself, embracing democratic politics

The PKK added that at this stage, it is important that Turkey’s parliament assume its historical role

US tells Israel Hamas ready to release hostage — Netanyahu's office

The statement said that negotiations will continue with fighting unrelenting in the Gaza Strip

US special envoy hopes ceasefire will pave way to peace in Ukraine

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with ABC News television earlier in the day that in case of a lengthy ceasefire

Things for Kiev ‘not going so well’ on battlefield — US Vice President Vance

"The Ukrainians would like to do a ceasefire", he said

Kremlin spokesman confirms Victory Day ceasefire is over

Residents and guests of Moscow witnessed numerous ceasefire violations, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said

Russia holds initiative in Ukrainian issue despite Europe's efforts — senator

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Ukraine resume direct negotiations and start them on May 15 in Istanbul "

Ukraine’s Odessa to protest against political repressions in Ukraine

US imposed duties on 70% of EU exports, ready to bring this percentage to 97% — EC

European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic warned that the US was planning to expand tariffs against the EU

India shoots down several Pakistani planes — air force spokesman

Bharti declined to talk about the losses of the Indian Air Force

Russia, Turkey interested in expanding trade cooperation — Kremlin

"The leaders also expressed mutual interest in further expanding trade and investment ties, including the implementation of strategic joint projects in the energy sector," the statement said

Settlement in Ukraine not just signing of document, but complex process — Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 11 invited Ukraine to resume the direct negotiations without preconditions interrupted in 2022

Egypt and Qatar call Hamas' decision to release hostage ‘encouraging step’

According to a statement the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Cairo and Doha "affirm the urgent need to end the war on Gaza to avoid further humanitarian consequences"

Hungary cancels meeting with Ukraine on national minorities over espionage scandal

Magyar said that Ukraine’s actions "cast doubt on the sincerity of their intentions to resolve open issues" in relations with Hungary

Trump angered by question about his role in choosing new pope

The US leader also emphasized that he won the Catholic vote by a wide margin and urged ABC News president Robert Iger to be more careful in choosing employees

Hostilities now under way, Russia suggests resuming talks - Putin

He expressed gratitude to Russia’s foreign partners for their peace-oriented efforts

Russia’s proposal to negotiate is on table, ball in Ukraine’s court — Putin

After the start of Russia’s special military operation, Russia and Ukraine engaged in negotiations in Belarus in March 2022, followed by a meeting in Istanbul on March 29, 2022

Paris insists white object on Macron's desk nothing but handkerchief, not narcotic

The Elysee Palace stated that when European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs

Putin describes his talks with Xi Jinping as very fruitful

Two joint statements at the level of the heads of states were adopted

China-US trade talks are important step toward resolving differences — Vice Premier

He Lifeng believes that the talks in Switzerland have attracted the close attention of the world community

Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine, Middle East in his first Regina Caeli prayer

"As Pope Francis said, I appeal to the world's leaders: no more war," the pontiff, who was elected on May 8, said

Russia’s, Burkina Faso's defense ministers hold talks

Belousov expressed confidence that joint efforts under the framework of the Russian-Burkinabe military cooperation agreement would enhance the combat readiness and capabilities of Burkina Faso’s armed forces

Russia to respond appropriately to Polish move to close its consulate in Krakow — diplomat

"Warsaw deliberately seeks to ruin the relations, by acting against its citizens," Maria Zakharova stated

Trump welcomes Putin's offer to resume direct talks with Ukraine

"A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine! Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end," US President said

Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia has historic significance — top Chinese diplomat

In his words, it will "also promote multi-level and multi-polar world order"

Russia views Nigeria as promising partner in Africa — defense minister

Commenting on the meeting, Belousov stated, "We regard Nigeria as a promising partner on the African continent"

Russian forces hit airplane repair shop, drone boats warehouses — top brass

According to the ministry, since May 8, Russian air defenses have downed 58 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones outside the special military operation zone