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Middle East conflict

Over 28,000 women, girls killed in Gaza since October 2023 — UN

"Since the ceasefire collapsed in March 2025, conditions have deteriorated further in Gaza," UN Women said

UNITED NATIONS, May 20. /TASS/. More than 28,000 women and girls have been killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since hostilities resumed in the enclave on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian information service ReliefWeb reported, citing the UN Women gender equality entity.

"UN Women estimates that more than 28,000 women and girls have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war in October 2023 – that is one woman and one girl on average killed every hour in attacks by Israeli forces," the report reads. "Among those killed, thousands were mothers."

"Since the ceasefire collapsed in March 2025, conditions have deteriorated further in Gaza," UN Women said, emphasizing that the situation has been worsened by the blockade of humanitarian aid and that now over one million women and girls in the enclave are "facing catastrophic levels of hunger."

Tensions escalated in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, aiming to dismantle the political and military infrastructure of Hamas and secure the release of the hostages.

On March 18, 2025, the Israeli army resumed fighting in Gaza, launching intense strikes on the enclave and thus breaking the ceasefire established in January of this year.

Middle East conflict

US-Iran talks may take place next week

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran asked for a meeting

Defense Ministry announces military training programs to be held at civilian universities

According to the ministry, Viktor Goremykin said that collaboration with civilian educational institutions is a major part of the reforms

West uses Ukraine in conflict against Russia to prevent its own collapse — Bolivia’s Arce

According to the Bolivian leader, the Ukraine conflict is taking place amid "the fight for geopolitical and economic control of the planet"

US must face reality of dollar’s diminished role globally — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov noted that the United States under its previous Democratic leadership began to "grossly abuse" the dollar's position in the global economy and the global financial system

Israel’s position on humanitarian deliveries to Gaza stalls talks with Hamas — agency

According to the sources, Israel and Hamas have held one round of indirect talks on Monday and are expected to continue later in the day.

Russian PM presents nomination to Transport Minister’s office to the State Duma

Andrey Nikitin was earlier appointed as the acting minister by Russian President Vladimir Putin

Press review: BRICS summit kicks off in Rio as Musk declares war on Trump and Democrats

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 7th

Russia values UN role in Cyprus settlement — Russian ambassador

Murat Zyazikov emphasized that Moscow supports "a comprehensive, viable, and fair resolution to the Cyprus question within the established international legal framework outlined in UN Security Council resolutions"

Airlines cancel 485 flights in Russia over weekend amid restrictions

All airports are currently functioning normally, handling inbound and outbound flights

Lavrov invites BRICS nations to join international drills in Russia in September

The top Russian diplomat added that Moscow consistently supports developing nations in strengthening healthcare systems and boosting epidemiological security

Putin signs law allowing non-Russians to enlist in military

Under the new law, stateless individuals and foreigners will be able to sign contracts and serve in the military until the end of the mobilization period, the termination of martial law or the expiration of wartime

Professor Jeffrey Sachs is right: Ukraine risks losing Odessa, says Duma member

According to Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Ukraine is losing ground every day

Ukranian Parliament member calls losses in conflict with Russia ‘crazy’

According to Anna Skorokhod, official casualty figures in Ukraine cannot be trusted

Top Belarusian diplomat condemns unilateral economic sanctions

The minister emphasized that sanctions hamper access to investments and technologies that might be used to mitigate the impact of climate change, protect the environment, and fight against dangerous diseases

Lavrov notes growing differences within NATO

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that NATO’s expansion has done any good to no one

Russia says Kiev’s attacks on ZNPP threaten Europe with disaster that could kill thousands

The Russian Defense Ministry on Sunday said Ukrainian forces shelled Energodar and areas around the Zaporozhye NPP three times over the prior day, firing a total of 10 rounds

Moldovan authorities persecute opposition — MP

Vadim Fotescu said that it is impossible to bring together opposition activists in Moldova amid threats, surveillance, blackmail, and repression

Iranian president says Israel tried to assassinate him

According to Masoud Pezeshkian, the assassination attempt took place a week and a half ago

Tram style: from retro to futuristic

New generation R1 tram from Ekaterinburg was presented during ExpoCityTrans 2014 exhibition in Moscow

Ten people killed in anti-government rallies in Kenya

The largest clashes between protesters and security forces took place in the capital, Nairobi

Average Russians not itching to vacation in Afghanistan — expert

According to Oksana Adilova, bilateral tourism between Russia and Afghanistan has certain potential thanks to that country’s rich historical and cultural heritage and traditional ties with Russia

Foreign ministers of Russia, Belarus discuss expanding diplomatic presence

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the parties confirmed "a consistent commitment to close coordination and mutual support on the international arena"

Federal budget deficit totaled $46.9 bln in H1 2025 — Finance Ministry

The current level of the budget deficit is mainly driven by the advance financing of expenses in January 2025 and the decline in oil and gas receipts but it will not affect performance of target indicators of the structured balance for 2025 on the whole

Iran can defend itself, Pezeshkian says when asked if it needs help from Russia or China

Masoud Pezeshkian also underlined that Iran does not seek to develop a nuclear weapon

EU to introduce toughest sanctions against Russia — France’s Foreign Minister

Barrot added that sanctions will affect Russian oil revenues, Russian financial players and intermediaries in other countries that help Russia to circumvent restrictive measures

US takes Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham organization off terrorist list — secretary of state

The revocation goes into effect upon publication, with the publication date being July 8

Trump’s threats to hit BRICS partners with tariffs irresponsible — Lula da Silva

"I do not think it is responsible and serious that the president of the country of such size as the United States threatened the world on the Internet," the Brazilian leader stated

Ukrainian forces flushed out of some positions in Donetsk area village — official

Igor Kimakovsky said the village of Yanvarskoye is one of the last settlements in this part of the region that is still occupied by Ukrainian forces

Putin appoints Andrey Nikitin as acting transport minister

Andrey Nikitin served as deputy transport minister since February

Syria rejects Israel's claims about detention of pro-Iranian radicals in country's south

Qutaiba Idlbi, a representative of the Syrian Foreign Ministry, also underlined the importance of international cooperation with the country's new government to evaluate such threats and prevent potential violations of Syrian sovereignty

US needs years to replenish weapons sent to Kiev, says former adviser to Pentagon chief

Dan Caldwell noted that Washington recently launched the largest salvo of Patriot air defense interceptor missiles in US military history to defend American servicemen in Qatar during Iranian retaliatory strikes

Expert says Trump-Musk feud all big show

Earlier, Elon Musk announced the creation of the America Party political party, officially registering it with the US Federal Election Commission on July 6

Magnitude 6.2 earthquake strikes off New Zealand coast

No casualties or destruction were reported

Russian aircraft could find their niche on Saudi Arabian market — minister

The Innoprom-2025 exhibition is underway in Yekaterinburg from July 7 to 10, its main theme is Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough

BRICS countries stand united that attacks on civilians unacceptable — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, such a commitment is not "something out of the ordinary, this is a mere reiteration of the commitment to the principles the international community approved by consensus a long time ago"

Lavrov does great work since Rutte even recalls Christ — MFA

Earlier, Mark Rutte awkwardly referred to the times of Jesus Christ in an attempt to discredit Sergey Lavrov’s lasting diplomatic career

Musk's political party could divide Republicans, tip midterms to Democrats — expert

On July 5, Musk announced he was founding a new political party after a poll he posted on his X social network page showed that the majority of people supported the idea

BRICS' expansion does not make it weaker — Lavrov

"The media are probably projecting their own anxieties, having witnessed NATO’s expansion," the Russian top diplomat said

Lavrov, Fidan reiterate commitment to promoting political settlement of conflicts

The ministers discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda, including the implementation of energy projects

Grenade goes off in Ryazan bar: What happened

The blast killed one person

Transneft vice president Andrey Badalov dies in Moscow in apparent suicide

Law enforcement officials told TASS that the deceased had left a farewell note

Russian authorities saw Trump's threats to impose tariffs on BRICS countries — Kremlin

Earlier, the US president warned that additional 10% tariffs would be applied to countries backing the BRICS policy

Russia protests to Sweden over attack on trade mission in Stockholm — Foreign Ministry

According to the statement, Moscow called for comprehensive measures to identify the perpetrators responsible for the ongoing attacks on Russian foreign institutions in Sweden and bring them to justice

Most Russians would keep working even if they didn't have to — poll

According to the study results, Russians have developed a "special" attitude towards work

Recently dismissed transport minister Roman Starovoit found dead in his car: what is known

The death is preliminarily being called a suicide, while the Russian Investigative Committee is working at the scene to establish the circumstances of the incident

Cuban president says BRICS is symbol of hope for chaos-free world

Miguel Diaz-Canel also noted that the United Nations "badly needs the sweeping reforms countries of the global South have been demanding for half a century"

Russia explains reasons for deplorable state of OSCE — Foreign Ministry

It said in a statement that the parties had discussed the situation in the organization

Trump threatens additional 10% tariff on countries aligning themselves with BRICS’ policy

"There will be no exceptions to this policy," the US leader warned

Bolivia, Russia discuss implementation of investment projects

Current issues of bilateral cooperation in different areas were discussed in detail

Top Turkish diplomat, UN chief discuss Ukraine, Gaza, Middle East security — sources

Sources didn't give any further details

Belarus seeks full-fledged BRICS membership — foreign minister

Belarus was granted BRICS partner country status in January 2025

Russian forces move to flank Ukrainian troops in northeast of Donetsk area — analyst

According to Andrey Marochko, there are strategic heights near Dachnoye, where the enemy is "fiercely" resisting

Death toll from Israel’s attack on Iran up to 1,060 — authorities

In the early morning hours of June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran

Russian troops liberate first community in Dnepropetrovsk Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 440 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Putin’s BRICS Summit speech dominates front pages of Brazilian press

The Russian leader delivered his remarks via video link at the summit

Russian forces consistently enveloping Krasnoarmeysk in Donetsk region — DPR head

Denis Pushilin stated that the envelopment of the city will eventually lead to its liberation

EU protracting conflict in Ukraine to avoid painful truth behind misguided aid — opinion

Second, he went on, if peace is established in Ukraine, EU leaders will have to admit that everything they have been doing until this moment was wrong because peace is better than war

Territorial integrity principle not applicable to Kiev — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also stressed that the use of the term "annexation" regarding Crimea, Sevastopol, the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, is incorrect and unacceptable

Russian Railways appoints four more trains between Moscow, St. Petersburg

The company continues recording the high demand for tickets in the service of St. Petersburg - Moscow and back

Residents of Ukrainian-held territories share draft office locations with Russia

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russian troops had hit a shopping mall, an assembly plant and storage facilities for attack drones in Ukraine within a day

Lavrov lists terms of peace treaty with Ukraine, including denazification

According to the Russian foreign minister, Moscow has remained open to a diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, but the talks should focus on a lasting peace, not a ceasefire

Russia has no intention to 'attack' or 'occupy' Europe — foreign minister

According to Sergey Lavrov, a narrative of Russia as a global threat is being deliberately constructed in Western countries

BRICS working on project to create cross-border payment initiative — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, "the mechanism of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, including the use of currencies alternative to dollar, is being improved"

Saving global economy requires expelling US from WTO — expert

Kristen Hopewell noted that while this procedure has never been used in the WTO’s history, the legal mechanism for such action exists

Three Russians reach Wimbledon quarterfinals, most since 2006

Thus, Mirra Andreeva, Lyudmila Samsonova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova have all earned a spot in the final eight of tennis' most coveted Grand Slam

Houthis claim responsibility for attack on Magic Seas ship in Red Sea

According to Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree, the ship was hit in the hull and the ship began to leak water

WHO needs to be allowed to do its job, must not be swayed by powerful countries — Lavrov

According to the minister, it is important to promote various BRICS initiatives to the WHO, including the BRICS vaccine development center, and the development of public health research networks

Lavrov condemns Israeli, US strikes on Iran during meeting with Araghchi

Israel launched a military operation against Iran overnight on June 13

Growing power struggles could trigger Ukraine’s collapse — news outlet

The publication notes that Kiev faces numerous military challenges, including the absence of a ceasefire agreement, Russian advances in the Sumy region and Donbass, as well as the halt of US weapons deliveries

Non-oil and gas revenues of Russian budget up 12.7% in January–June 2025

Consistent positive dynamics is noted as regards the receipt of key non-oil and gas revenues by the federal budget and the budgetary system on the whole

UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Afghanistan, Russia abstains

The 67-point document was drafted by Germany, Ireland and Sweden and received 116 yes votes

Trump says US may send new Patriot systems to Ukraine

According to the US head of state, Washington could send additional Patriot systems to Ukraine

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

US company no longer searching for investors to fund Kiev — newspaper

According to the news agency, the company initially intended to create a multibillion-dollar fund and announce it at a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Rome on July 10-11

Russia to keep close eye on Berlin’s actions concerning Taurus supplies to Kiev — diplomat

"It is not easy to train Ukrainian soldiers to operate Taurus missiles," Sergey Nechayev said

Russian army gains control of five km of border with capture of Bessalovka — expert

Andrey Marochko suggested that in this way the Russian army is preparing a springboard for further advance at Bessalovka, which will allow the Russian army to push the Ukrainian troops away from the Russian border

Police detain over 500 protestors in Kenya

Earlier reports put the number of detainees at 37

Putin highlights Russia’s contribution to US statehood

The two countries were able to find things that bonded them together, the Russian President said

Putin dismisses Russian transport minister

Roman Starovoit was appointed to the post in May 2024

Russia’s Defense Ministry launches Military Education in Service of Fatherland initiative

Under the leadership of Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, an expert council convened to discuss the modernization of military education and officer training as part of the ministry’s strategic objectives

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 78.72 rubles for July 8

The official yuan rate was set at 10.98 rubles, down a kopeck

Britain does not want peace in Ukraine because of its interest in Odessa seaports — expert

Vladimir Karasev further elaborated that the British authorities were also interested in Ukraine's resources, which have been handed over to them by Vladimir Zelensky under a 100-year agreement

Putin stays in daily contact with Sergey Shoigu, Kremlin spokesman says

Timur Ivanov was arrested by Moscow’s Basmanny Court

AliExpress to change rules of delivery to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

Economic delivery service will not be available anymore for goods with the value above $2 with destinations in Russia

Diplomat Potapov appointed Russia’s consul general in Sao Paulo — Foreign Ministry

It says Potapov has been in the diplomatic service since 1995 and worked in various positions in the central office of the ministry and abroad

IN BRIEF: What Lavrov said after BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro

The top Russian diplomat believes the UN Security Council’s current seat distribution is unfair and skewed in the West’s favor

Serbian party says country should join BRICS, save itself headache of joining EU

Currently, official EU candidate status has been granted to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Montenegro

What is known about consequences of Ukraine’s overnight drone attack on Russian regions

Drone debris fell on railroad tracks in one of the Voronezh Region’s municipalities, causing several trains to be delayed, Governor Alexander Gusev said

Iran never tried to assassinate Trump, president says

According to Masoud Pezeshkian, this kind of talk is aimed at "dragging the US into forever wars and to bring more insecurity and stability and unrest to the whole region"

Russia’s ex-transport minister committed suicide, investigators say

According to official spokesperson of the Russian Investigative Committee Svetlana Petrenko, circumstances of the occurrence are being ascertained

Perpetrators of attacks on Russian Railways facilities to be punished — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister described the attacks on railroad infrastructure and civilian trains as "truly egregious instances of a deliberate attack"

US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites underscore need to boost air defenses, expert says

Andrey Sushentsov pointed out that the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have seriously damaged the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its verification system

Russian stock indices in the red on Monday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index lost 1.62%, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index plunged by 1.48%

Liberation of Krasnoarmeysk would be major strategic victory for Russia — expert

Andrey Marochko said that Krasnoarmeysk is the key transportation hub that previously connected routes across Ukraine

Russian forces about to liberate Chasov Yar — DPR’s head

According to Pushilin, the operational situation in this front section is favorable

BRICS makes headway in using national currencies for trade — Indian MFA

According to Dammu Ravi, countries are looking for alternatives as they want to have faster payments for cross-border trade

Trump announces 35% tariffs on imports from Serbia effective August 1

In addition, Trump has sent notifications regarding the introduction of tariffs to the leaders of several other countries

Magic Seas ship sinks in Red Sea after Houthi attack

The Magic Seas was en route from China to Turkey, loaded with ferrous metals and fertilizers

Attacks on Ukraine’s military enlistment offices strategically sound — expert

Andrey Marochko stressed that today morale in the Ukrainian army is low

Lavrov holding meeting with Bolivian president on BRICS summit sidelines

The meeting is being held behind closed doors

Oil and gas revenues of Russian budget down 16.9% in H1 2025 — ministry

Russia's oil and gas revenues totaled 4.74 bln rubles ($60.2 bln)