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Middle East conflict

Mediators offer Israel, Hamas truce for 5-7 years — media outlet

Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled its readiness to relinquish control in the enclave and hand over governance of Gaza to another Palestinian political force, such as the Palestinian National Authority or some new organization

© AP Photo/ Mohammad Abu Samra

LONDON, April 22. /TASS/. Qatari and Egyptian mediators in the negotiation process between Israel and the radical Palestinian movement Hamas have put forward a new proposal for a truce lasting five to seven years to end hostilities in the Gaza Strip, the BBC reported, citing a senior Hamas official.

According to the news outlet, the plan calls for the release of all Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Also, a truce lasting between five and seven years would require a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a formal declaration of a cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled its readiness to relinquish control in the enclave and hand over governance of Gaza to another Palestinian political force, such as the Palestinian National Authority or some new organization.

The BBC source described the ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt as serious and said that Hamas has shown "unprecedented flexibility." A high-ranking Hamas delegation is due to arrive in Cairo for consultations, it added.

On January 15, Israel and Hamas agreed to release the hostages 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 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported airstrikes on Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip, thus ending the ceasefire established in January this year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Israel had resumed 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 radicals have blamed the United States for the resumption of Israeli aggression.

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.

Iran threatens to increase of uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels

Islamic Republic of Iran has no restrictions in research and development in the nuclear field and has the right to enrich uranium to the level of 93% in accordance with its scientific," IRNA news agency quotes the document

Format of Istanbul negotiations on Ukraine yet to be determined — Turkish foreign minister

"The American delegation is coming to Istanbul, and the Russian delegation will also be here," Hakan Fidan said

EU to sanction select banks, curb Russian uranium imports — Bild

Acording to the repor, Europe may fully reject gas supplies from Russia and tighten restrictions on prices for its oil

Houthis say they attacked Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport

According to the Houthi spokesman, Ben Gurion Airport suspended operation for an hour and millions of the Israelis were forces to be hiding in bomb shelters

Press review: Russia, Ukraine mull peace as US, China slash tariffs amid tensions

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 13th

Berlin's silence over video showing Merz, Macron is telling — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the Elysee Palace had immediately labeled the news as fake, but had not asked the Kiev regime to stop spreading false information

Kiev agrees to talks without ceasefire to secure US backing — MP

Mikhail Tsymbalyuk said that it was important for Ukraine to stick to the US position

Kalashnikov presents newest uniform from Novator uniform kit

The presentation took place at a shooting complex within Patriot Park near Moscow

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

Istanbul 2.0 signals a losing game for Zelensky, even if he skips talks — politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, Zelensky erred by overestimating his geopolitical role, as he has been a pawn, not a queen as he was told, since the very beginning

US envoy to NATO says focus is on ending Ukraine conflict, not more sanctions on Russia

US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker was all positive about the upcoming May 15 talks on Ukraine in Istanbul, proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Indian premier notes Russian-made S-400 air defense system’s role during escalation

Narendra Modi also praised domestically made Akash missile systems

Russia-US bilateral talks in pipeline, date yet to be agreed on — Russian diplomat

The Russian side will decide on the optimal timing for the new round of talks depending on how the existing agreements with the Americans are implemented, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said

Russia’s Kornet anti-tank missile system can pierce any Ukrainian tank — Rostec

The Kornet "is not simply an anti-tank missile system but a multipurpose high-precision guided weapon," the tech corporation stressed

Russia won’t renounce ties with Islamic world — top diplomat

According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia and the Islamic world states share common goals

Yemen’s Houthis launch new strike on Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv — spokesman

According to Yahya Saria, the missile "hit its target" and the airport operations were suspended for about an hour

Russian diplomat slams NATO’s denial of accreditation to TASS journalist

On Telegram, she described those who made the decision as "destroyers of free speech"

Russian troops breaching Ukrainian defenses near Krasnoarmeysk in Donetsk region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are moving at quite a fast pace towards Dobropolye

Trump does not rule new sanctions against Russia, Iran

According to the US president, the secondary sanctions against Iran "drove them into bankruptcy"

EU set to impose much higher tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural products — newspaper

The decision would affect maize, sugar, honey, and poultry

Russia, US in contact on Ukraine but not 'coordinating' on Istanbul talks — top diplomat

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin in the early hours of May 11, Putin urged Kiev to resume direct talks suspended in 2022, without preconditions

Istanbul 2022 draft may serve as basis for settlement — Russian envoy

"Let's go back, make adjustments to it that have emerged over the past three years and after that we will move to signing this document," Rodion Miroshnik said

Outcome of Istanbul talks to depend on Kiev’s Western sponsors — Russian diplomat

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin on May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the Kiev authorities to resume the direct talks they broke off in 2022 without any preliminary conditions

Russian troops to receive large batch of shortened AK-12 assault rifles

"The shortened AK-12 is primarily designed for arming assault units," Kalashnikov Group Chief Designer for Small Arms Sergey Urzhumtsev said

Nothing strange about US authorities’ desire to build relations with Syria — Kremlin

"It is definitely necessary to build relations so that the Syrian people can finally attain long-awaited peace," Dmitry Peskov said

New anti-Iranian sanctions by US unacceptable, Iranian Foreign Ministry says

The sanctions "will impact our approach" to the negotiation process, the ministry noted

Brazilian president to relay Kiev’s Istanbul talks request to Putin during Moscow visit

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also mentioned that, during his visit to Russia on May 8-10, he received a request from Vladimir Zelensky to inquire about the Russian authorities' plans to announce a ceasefire

Russian troops liberate Mikhailovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 525 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day

Lavrov says release of МН17 verdict sought to overshadow Malaysian PM’s trip to Russia

There are "plenty of facts" that show the investigation was dubious, the Russian foreign minister stressed

Ukrainian intelligence launches covert operation against Hungary, uses opposition — Orban

Its leader, European Parliament member Peter Magyar, claimed earlier that while the Hungarian government is preaching peace, the Hungarian armed forces are preparing for war

Moscow's rivals scheme to replace power in Russia — foreign intel chief

Sergey Naryshkin added that Russia’s geopolitical rivals are hatching plans, with financial support from the West, to split Russia into multiple parts

Press review: Russia prepares for Ukraine talks and Trump pursues Middle East megadeals

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 14th

US to stop Iranian oil exports if no nuclear deal is reached — Trump

The United States and Iran have already held four rounds of negotiations to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program

TASS denied accreditation to informal NATO ministerial talks in Antalya

The accreditation request was sent via NATO’s official website

Russian delegation to discuss political, technical issues at Istanbul talks — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov did not answer whether he himself is part of the Russian delegation

Zelensky confirms his visit to Turkey on May 15

Vladimir Zelensky hopes to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ankara or Istanbul

France already given everything it could to Ukraine — Macron

"We have done everything we could," French leader said

Putin states attractiveness of Donbass, Novorossiya for business

The President noted that it is necessary to develop common criteria for the use of land in these territories

Putin to hold talks with Malaysian premier

At this time, Russia and Malaysia have concluded 20 cooperation agreements

Skilled negotiators to represent Russia in Istanbul talks — lawmaker

According to Leonid Slutsky, it will be a highly professional delegation, capable of dealing with the toughest team of Ukrainian negotiators in the most challenging circumstances and demonstrating the will to achieve fundamental agreements that would pave the way for peace

No sense in pause to hostilities at all for Russia, Medvedchuk argues

The politician recalled that Russia had alreadey withdrawn troops from Kiev in the spring of 2022, but no peace ensued

Kremlin spokesman declines to name starting points of Ukraine talks

"No one will say in advance what the starting points will be," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia proceeds with groundwork for Istanbul negotiations — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin currently has no plans to provide additional comment on the projected Russia-Ukraine meeting in Istanbul

Malaysian PM says hopes his visit to Russia will help strengthen bilateral ties

Apart from that, according to the Malaysian prime minister, he plans to "meet with Russian industry players to bring in high-impact investments back home, before heading to Kazan for the meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia-Islamic World and KazanForum"

NATO using Ukraine as testing ground for military tactics — Russian lawmaker

Dmitry Belik stressed that for years, Ukraine was being prepared to become "a battering ram against Russia"

Russian troops liberate Mirolyubovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 470 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed seven enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day

Russia must brace for Western moves that hurt both sides — Putin

The president said that Russia must at least minimize the negative consequences

Russia gives targeted response to Poland shutting down Consulate General in Krakow — MFA

Russia's response will be appropriate and guided by its national interests, Maria Zakharova stated

Rubio, other US officials to travel to Istanbul for Ukraine talks — Trump

Trump was optimistic when talking about the meetings in Turkey

Russian government receives official proposals on conditions for return of Western firms

According to RSPP, the requirements will not apply to all foreign companies that would like to return to Russia

Press review: Turkey to host Russia-Ukraine talks as NATO starts drills by Russian border

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 12th

Ukraine is being used as springboard for cyberattacks on Russia — Foreign Ministry

Highlighting the resilience of Russian cybersecurity measures, Artur Lyukmanov emphasized the effectiveness of strategies developed during the special military operation

EU to blacklist 30 entities over alleged circumvention of anti-Russia sanctions — Politico

"75 individuals and companies have been listed" for their alleged involvement in Russia’s military industrial sector

EU nuclear proliferation won’t contribute to Europe's security — Kremlin

The entire system of strategic stability and security is in a deplorable state for understandable reasons, Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Only foreign brands that bring value to Russia will be allowed to return — Putin

Putin stressed that he wasn’t exaggerating, that this is how things work

Zelensky’s entourage wants to trade abducted Kursk civilians for captured Azov terrorists

According to SVR intel, Kiev intends to hold on to the remaining Kursk civilians forcibly held in Ukraine for as long as possible

Kremlin aide Ushakov has no comments on Trump, Zelensky’s possible visit to Istanbul

"There are simply too many statements, we need to see how the situation unfolds," the official noted

EU fueling conflict between Russia, Ukraine instead of pushing for peace — EP deputy

"It’s time to put an end to the spiral of sanctions, threats and military rhetoric," Harald Wilimsky noted

Zelensky says ban on talks with Russia does not apply to him

Vladimir Zelensky claimed his decree was meant to prevent potential contacts between fugitive Ukrainian opposition activists and Russia’s authorities

France ready to discuss deployment of strategic bombers in EU countries — Macron

At the same time, he said that the deployment will be conditioned on three requirements: "France will not pay for the security of others," the deployment will not undermine France’s own security, and the president of France, who is also the supreme commander-in-chief

Hungary's top diplomat urges EU to avoid interfering with Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul

"This week could be a great one for the whole world if the Russian-Ukrainian talks in Turkey yield success," Peter Szijjarto said

Rubio, Witkoff to travel to Istanbul on May 16 for Ukraine talks

A White House spokesperson confirmed earlier that the Secretary of State, US Presidential Special Representative and US Special Envoy for Ukraine are scheduled to travel to Istanbul for talks

NATO summit in The Hague to focus on strengthening alliance, not Ukraine — news agency

The summit will be shorter than previous meetings, and the outcome will be a brief declaration, Bloomberg reported

EC chief says 17th sanctions package on Russia targets 189 tankers

The blacklisted tankers will be prohibited from entering EU ports, and any transactions with those vessels will be banned for European business

EU envoys approve 17th package of anti-Russia sanctions — source

A source in EU institutions said that the approval of restrictions by EU foreign ministers is expected on May 20

Russia-Malaysia relations advancing, room for more growth — Putin

"Both sides are sincerely interested in making such interaction even more meaningful and productive," Russian President said

Trump family earned $2 bln in one month of his presidency

The New York Times noted that the primary inflows stemmed from foreign investments in cryptocurrency ventures, real estate, and exclusive club initiatives

Russian Navy to set up unmanned systems regiments — paper

According to the report, the new regiments will comprise robotized systems operating in various environments

Russia to receive many foreign guests soon — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov announced that in the nearest future Russia would host many guests, including at the St. Petersburg forum

Ten Ukrainian soldiers surrender in southern DPR

They laid down their arms during assault operations on a number of strongholds

Trump says ready to make deal with Iran if Tehran refuses to develop nuclear weapons

The US president called on Iran to stop supporting terror and not have a nuclear weapon

Russian investigators report 24 civilian deaths in Kursk Region’s village

According to Russia's Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko, representatives of Ukrainian armed formations involved in these crimes are being identified

Russian troops advance in Verkhnekamenskoye community in Donetsk region — expert

The situation in the community remains tense, Andrey Marochko added

US discusses deployment of European deterrence force west of Dnieper River — Kellogg

Kellogg noted that starting positions in negotiations on the territorial issue should begin with freezing the conflict along the lines of contact

Bolivian president not to run for re-election

"I am telling the people of Bolivia with absolute resolve about my decision not to participate in the August election because I have no intention to split the popular vote or facilitate the implementation of a Fascist right-wing project," Luis Arce said

Brazilian embassy confirms president's plane to make stopover in Moscow

Earlier, Lula da Silva said that he intends to return to Moscow after his visit to China to talk with Vladimir Putin about the upcoming Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul

Poland to ban Dodik from entering its territory — foreign ministry

Earlier, Dodik was banned from entering Australia and Germany

Russia rejects ICAO Council’s accusations on MH17 case as illegitimate — foreign ministry

Russia will not recognize the Council’s ruling, it is illegitimate and violates the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and its own rule of procedure, the ministry said

Foreign companies' exit tactics won't be forgotten — Putin

The Russian leader highlighted that product quality requirements in Russia have always been higher than in the EU

Putin invites Malaysia’s king to visit Russia

Russian president asked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to convey his best wishes to the head of state, Sultan Ibrahim

Trump issues ultimatum, saying Russia, Ukraine should hold direct talks — Witkoff

According to the US President special envoy, if direct talks between Russia and Ukraine bring any result, there will be "a strong chance to getting an end to this conflict"

Mirolyubovka seizure paves way for liberating Dimitrov, Krasnoarmeysk in DPR — expert

"The seizure of the settlement of Mirolyubovka by the Russian Armed Forces opens operational space, in particular, in the direction of the settlement of Dimitrov located close to Krasnoarmeysk," Andrey Marochko said

India’s Operation Sindoor tests New Delhi’s ties with QUAD — magazine

India’s Operation Sindoor has become a litmus test for New Delhi’s relations with the other QUAD members, who did not support it

IN BRIEF: Putin's key statements at a meeting with the Business Russia association

Private business is writing the "success story of the Russian economy," the President noted

Putin says Western brand apologies insufficient for return to Russian market

The president noted that Russia would focus on its own national interests in deciding on Western brands’ return to the country

Russia, US, EU countries to work for strategic security — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov responded to questions regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks about the possibility of deploying French nuclear-armed aircraft in other European nations

EU court blames von der Leyen for hiding information on COVID-19 vaccines

While the court decision does not define the scope of von der Leyen’s responsibility or impose any disciplinary or penal measures against her, it may trigger new cases against the Commission chief with more serious accusations

Ukrainian troops prepare for battles for Sumy, try to hold Yunakovka — security forces

They are building up several defense lines

Putin says major foreign companies ask him directly if they can come back to Russia

Putin stressed that foreign countries "foolishly banned their companies" from operating in Russia, and now they will face a lot of hurdles if they want to come back

Serbian leader rejects European Council president's call to condemn Russia

Aleksandar Vucic emphasized that his duty was to serve the people of Serbia and he was not obliged to obey anyone

Russian diplomat says talks with Ukraine should be held behind closed doors

"No one should hear what is going on in the talks, but this happens only when both sides are serious about reaching an agreement," Rodion Miroshnik said

Pentagon does not rule out direct US-Russia conflict if Ukraine crisis escalates

Even though China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran "seek to avoid armed conflict with the United States," their conviction in "Western decline fosters a growing willingness to challenge the United States, General Gregory Guillot, commander of the United States Northern Command, said

Europe dreams of dividing Russia into parts using Ukraine — Republika Srpska leader

Europe also wants to seize the country’s energy and mineral resources, Milorad Dodik emphasized

Russian delegation to be waiting for Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul on May 15 — Kremlin

The Kremlin spokesman added that members of the Russian delegation would be named once the president handed down the relevant instructions

Israeli military structures recognize threat of starvation in Gaza Strip — NYT

According to the newspaper, "Palestinians in Gaza face widespread starvation unless aid deliveries are restored within weeks"

Russia to send delegation to Istanbul talks on May 15 regardless of Kiev’s stance — MP

Leonid Slutsky called on Kiev to listen to the only viable position, formulated by the Russian president, that can bring peace

Russia hopes to deal directly with Ukraine in Istanbul — senior Russian diplomat

The senior Russian diplomat told reporters earlier in the day that the upcoming Istanbul talks will focus on reaching a sustainable peace agreement based on realities on the ground, particularly new Russian territories

Russians can now pay with Mir cards in Iran — Islamic republic’s Central Bank

The main tourist centers of Iran popular with Russians were equipped with the technology in the first place

US doesn't want Zelensky at NATO's June summit — ANSA

According to the agency, only Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand have received invitations among non-alliance members

West still considering sending troops to Ukraine — US diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly stated that the presence of NATO troops under any flag and in any capacity on Ukrainian soil is a threat to Russia, and that Moscow will not accept it under any conditions

US Department of State describes Istanbul talks as ‘critical opportunity’

"This is a critical opportunity to again have those direct talks to try to achieve that ceasefire and then that long and enduring peace," the US diplomat added