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Middle East conflict

UN warns thousands of babies in Gaza could die without aid

According to the senior UN official, the world organization is making efforts to save as many children as possible in the Palestinian enclave

RABAT, May 20. /TASS/. Nearly 14,000 babies could die in the Gaza Strip within 48 hours if humanitarian aid doesn’t reach them, the WAFA news agency said, citing UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affair Tom Fletcher.

According to the senior UN official, the world organization is making efforts to save as many children as possible in the Palestinian enclave. Many UN employees, in his words, are working at medical centers and schools to assess the need for humanitarian assistance.

On March 18, Israel resumed hostilities in the Gaza Strip and delivered a series of strikes on Hamas targets, thus cutting short the ceasefire that had been in place in the enclave since January 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office explained the move by Hamas' rejections of proposals advanced after talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff. It claimed that the goal of the operation was to release all of the Israeli hostages. Hamas placed responsibility for this latest spiral of escalation in Gaza on Israel and the United States.

Middle East conflict

Iran detains 700 people suspected of cooperating with Israel — news agency

According to the report, most of the detentions took place in the Kermanshah, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Fars, and Lorestan Provinces

Russian diplomat slams US, Israel’s actions as infringing on Non-Proliferation Treaty

Vasily Nebenzya noted that Iran, a UNN and NPT member state, "came under unprovoked aggression" and the entire world found itself on the brink of a nuclear disaster

Participation of athletes from conflicting states at 2024 Olympics is achievement — Bach

Fifteen athletes from Russia participated in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in France under a neutral status

Another European national detained in Iran on suspicion of spying for Israel — agency

According to the report, the man was detained in the Hormozgan province while gathering information about Iranian military facilities

NATO becomes discussion club as members overflow — expert

Edward Luttwak believes "that the alliance was valuable as a military alliance when it united countries capable of defending themselves"

Israel says intercepts two UAVs

"The UAVs most likely came from Iran," it said in a statement

BRICS countries say attacks on Iran violated UN Charter — statement

The group also called for making the Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction

Russian MP warns that Moscow will find response to any threat from NATO

Leonid Slutsky added that the talks in Istanbul are "a real opportunity to stop hostilities, save people’s lives and achieve a sustainable settlement"

Explosion reported in Damascus — TV

According to the latest data, military exercises were held in the area where the sounds of the explosion were heard

Ceasefire and final strikes: potential end to Israel-Iran conflict

Soon after the ceasefire was announced, Israel reported detecting new attacks originating from Iran, prompting a decision to launch new "intense" strikes against Tehran

Medvedev rejects Trump's criticism of his remarks about Iran

The Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that Russia has no intention of supplying nuclear weapons to Iran

Leaders of UK, France, Germany call for talks with Iran

"Turning to Ukraine, the leaders discussed the need to apply more pressure on the Kremlin, including through further sanctions," the statement said

Texas congressman puts forward resolution to impeach Trump

Al Green argues that "congressional leaders were not appropriately briefed or notified of the attack plans despite foreign leaders being given advance notice of the planned US military action"

Russian troops deliver overnight strike on Ukrainian military sites in Kiev Region

The ministry said that all the designated targets were struck

Turkey plans new steps in Istanbul process on Ukraine — Erdogan

According to the Turkish leader, both Russia and Ukraine trust Turkey

Russia demands non-aligned, nuclear-weapon-free status for Ukraine — foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Moscow "has never had any illusions about NATO"

IAEA says Iran's nuclear program thrown back significantly

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi added that he could not say for sure that the program had been set back years

Tornado-S rockets effectively break through Ukrainian air defense

The rockets have an advanced inertial guidance system that successfully operates in conditions of satellite channel jamming, which is important in modern war that uses a lot of electronic warfare systems

West is begging for ceasefire for Ukraine without preconditions — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that this is exactly what Vladimir Zelensky firmly refused a couple of years ago

Strikes on Iran strengthen its determination to continue working on nuclear program — MFA

Abbas Araghchi said that no one in Iran would abandon these technologies

Oreshnik proved itself very well in combat conditions, Putin says

"Volume production of the newest intermediate-range missile system Oreshnik is being started," the Russian leader said

Talking heads seek to stir trouble between Moscow, Tehran amid Iran conflict — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that there is certainly no shortage of such speculation

Gulf states say support cease-fire between Iran, Israel

On June 24, Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a complete ceasefire

Israelis file over 38,000 claims for damages during escalation with Iran

More than 15,500 people lost their homes during shelling, Dmitry Gendelman, an advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, added

Russia honors $159 mln Eurobond coupon payment — Finance Ministry

Payments were carried out in accordance with Russian President’s decree on temporary order of honoring state debt liabilities of the Russian Federation to residents and foreign creditors

FSB arrests two Moldovan intelligence agents in Moscow

Criminal cases have been launched against them, and they may face up to eight years behind bars

US gets significant benefits from military cooperation with Ukraine — Pentagon

The EUCOM head traditionally holds the position of Commander-in-Chief of the NATO Joint Armed Forces in Europe

NATO intends to continue fueling Ukrainian conflict in coming years — Rutte

NATO Secretary General added that Western arms deliveries to Kiev will allegedly help "bring Ukraine to a durable and lasting peace"

Trump says wants to 'see a deal' with Russia

The US president was asked to comment on the Russia-related language expected in a communique to be issued after the alliance leaders’ meeting

Russia moves to create national messaging app as part of digital services platform

The platform will be integrated with the country’s document service Gosuslugi and the Unified system of identification and authentication

Putin requests considering Russian business’ proposals on order of foreign brands return

The deadline for a report on the issue is set for July 1, 2025

Decision taken on denazification, demilitarization of Ukraine — Putin

Justice and truth are on Russia’s side, President Vladimir Putin said

IAEA says records no radiation effects on Iran's neighboring countries

Rafael Grossi said that Iran’s research and power reactors were not targeted

Israel fails to achieve goals, pays 'terrible price' — Pezeshkian

The Iranian president stressed that Tehran is committed to peaceful coexistence with all neighboring countries and hopes to join forces in resisting attempts by hostile states to sow division in the region

Putin, king of Bahrain support swiftest restoration of peace in Middle East

According to the Kremlin, the leaders spoke in favor of introducing stability to the region as soon as possible

Medvedev rejects Trump’s criticism of his remarks about Iran

The politician stressed that he knows perfectly well what this will lead to, since as president he controlled Russia’s nuclear forces

Israel will respect ceasefire with Iran as long as Iran does, defense minister pledges

Israel Katz thanked the Pentagon chief for US President Donald Trump’s "bold decision to act with Israel against the Iranian nuclear threat"

Putin to hold meeting on cultural establishments, museums on Wednesday

The meeting will focus on the results of building such institutions in Vladivostok, Kemerovo, Kaliningrad and Sevastopol. The president ordered their construction on May 5, 2018

Russia focused on achieving goals stated at beginning of special op — Kremlin

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin listed several goals of the special military operation

Putin requests encouraging investment in Russian technology firms

The head of the state expects proposals "on easing regulatory requirements for credit organizations and other professional participants in the securities market"

Netanyahu agreed to scale back strike on Iran after Trump’s call — media

The Israeli Prime Minister still noted that that "some response was needed to Iran’s violation of the ceasefire"

Belarus says invites Turkey to Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security

On June 24, the republic's Ambassador to Turkey Anatoly Glaz and Russian Ambassador to Ankara Alexey Yerkhov met with Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister of Berris Ekinci to pay special attention to the conference scheduled for October 28-29, 2025

Ceasefire violations, Trump's calls to 'calm down': conflict between Israel, Iran

The US leader expressed dissatisfaction with both sides of the conflict and said that Israel "needs to calm down."

Serbia sends military suppiles to Kiev via intermediaries — Russian intelligence

According to report, the Ukrainian military "is very grateful to Serbian manufacturers of weapons and ammunition for their contribution to maintaining the combat readiness of the Ukrainian armed forces"

What is known about aftermath of last night’s Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

Two people were injured as a drone hit a residential building in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyev said

Bulk of US congressmen reject impeachment attempt against Trump

Democratic Congressman Al Green has been trying for several months to initiate a vote on Trump's impeachment, criticizing his actions in both foreign and domestic politics

Trump’s comments turned Iran’s ‘devastating’ response into national humiliation — lawmaker

Earlier, the US president described Tehran’s retaliatory strike on the US base in Qatar as weak in a post on the social network Truth Social

US base in northeastern Syria attacked — news agency

The report did not specify who shelled the US base

Russia offered Iran air defense projects, Tehran showed little interest — Putin

The countries' strategic partnership agreement does not contain any articles related to defense, Russian President said

IAEA says US strikes damage Iran's nuclear facilities seriously

CNN reported earlier citing sources that the United States’ intelligence community believes that the US military strikes on Iran did not lead to the destruction of the core components of Tehran's nuclear program

Lavrov, Turkmenistan’s president to discuss bilateral ties, regional affairs on Wednesday

Russia’s top diplomat arrived in Turkmenisatn on an official visit for the first time since 2022

Trump lays into some US news media over reports on Iran strikes

"Fake news CNN, together with the failing New York Times, have teamed up in an attempt to demean one of the most successful military strikes in history," US President said

Hegseth says US definitely obliterated Iran’s capability to build nuclear weapons

US President Donald Trump posted the statement on his Truth Social account

Bank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate to 78.39 rubles for June 25

The official euro exchange rate has been raised by 1 ruble 90 kopecks to 91.737 rubles

Postponing talks on irritants does not mean shift in Trump's position on Russia — expert

"This pause can rather be explained by the fact that the administration’s attention is currently focused on handling the immediate, near-term challenges presented by the Iran-Israel crisis," Mark Episkopos noted

Russian forces can easily liberate Sumy due to crisis in Ukrainian army ranks — expert

"This is not a major issue for our armed forces, this is quite a realistic task given the current personnel crisis in the Ukrainian army," Yan Gagin said

UN secretary-general regularly abuses his powers — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister added that Antonio Guterres refuses "to call things by their proper names"

Russia hails Moldovans’ striving for sovereign development — embassy

"Russia doesn’t interfere into Moldova’s domestic affairs, respects its sovereignty, neutral status and territorial integrity," the statement reads

Mali interested in Russian firms’ participation in gold production, fertilizers supplies

Russia and Mali decided to set up a bilateral intergovernmental commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooerpation following talks between presidents of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Assimi Goita, in the Kremlin on June 23, 2025

Lavrov worries potential IAEA inspections of Iranian facilities could be leaked to public

The Russian foreign minister also pointed to broader concerns about the neutrality of international institutions

Foreign mercenaries deployed near DPR border fleeing under Russian strikes

According to preliminary information, there are casualties among the foreign contingent in this sector

Russia says battlegroup West destroyed up to 220 Ukrainian soldiers, 8 Starlink stations

According to the battlegroup’s spokesman, a US-made M777 artillery gun and 12 mortar crews were destroyed during counter-battery combat

Iran’s airspace reopened — Flightradar

Iraq has also opened its airspace, according to the service

Russian troops liberate Dyleyevka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made armored personnel carrier in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Serbian president says receives threats for his refusal to export arms

Aleksandar Vucic stressed that further arms exports would be possible only when authorized by the National Security Council

Over 550 missiles launched by Iran at Israel during escalation — Israeli official

Dmitry Gendelman added that the Iranians launched more than 1,000 drones toward the Jewish state

Russia boosts vodka supplies to China by 57% in 2025 — Agroexport

Head of the Agroexport federal center Ilya Ilyushin said that supplies of finished goods to China have a significant potential

28 people killed, over 1,400 injured in Iranian strikes on Israel during escalation

In the early morning hours of June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran, and less than 24 hours later, Iran retaliated

Ukrainian conflict to end in Kiev’s unconditional surrender — French expert

According to Xavier Moreau, the final say in the settlement will go to Russia

Putin signs amendments to 2025 federal budget into law

According to the document, Russia’s budget revenues in 2025 will amount to $490 bln, or 17.4% of GDP, which is 4.4% lower than the previously adopted amount

Price of Brent oil down below $67 per barrel on ICE first since June 11

The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for August 2025 delivery was down by 3.56% at $64.49 per barrel

Russia, US now far from discussing strategic stability issues — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that "when such conversations resume with the Americans and Europeans, who will change their minds, we must ensure our security without repeating past mistakes"

Israeli National Security Council chief says in direct talks with Syria — paper

Tzachi Hanegbi said that Syria, along with Lebanon, are "candidates for normalization of relations" with Israel under of the so-called Abraham Agreements

So far no understanding on impact of US attacks on Iranian nuclear program — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that it is necessary to analyze the immediate situation to understand the extent of the impact

Witkoff says Iran’s loss of ability to enrich uranium beyond doubt

"It will be almost impossible for them to resurrect that program," the envoy said

Kremlin explains how Russia can help Iran

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia offered its mediation efforts

Trump hopes China will purchase oil not only from Iran but also from US

Earlier, the US president announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a complete ceasefire

Ukraine’s Zelensky admits that Ukraine joining NATO 'impossible for now'

Vladimir Zelensky declined to answer whether Ukraine had given up on the idea of becoming a NATO member in the future. He stuck to his old talking point that the North Atlantic alliance would "benefit from having an ally like Ukraine"

Europe to plant millions of mines along Russian border — media

The Daily Telegraph notes that all five countries have announced their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, and production of anti-personnel landmines

West spends millions to suppress opposition in Moldova — fact-checking network

According to the report, funding from USAID was notably increased ahead of key electoral periods

It is wrong to compare Israeli aggression against Iran, conflict in Ukraine — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat pointed out that the conflict in the Middle East was primarily triggered by Israel's suspicions regarding Iran’s potential violations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Iranian top diplomat Araghchi had no written message from Khamenei for Putin — Kremlin

Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow for a meeting with the Russian president on the night of June 22 amid the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East

Zelensky says he has no intention of leaving power before end of conflict

Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential powers officially expired after May 20, 2024, but Kiev has refused to hold parliamentary and presidential elections due to martial law

Trump stops short of firmly backing NATO collective defense pledge

The US president said that there’s numerous definitions of Article 5

Russian weather center says Siberian temperatures at ‘tropical’ level

The center of the heat wave has migrated eastward from Western Siberia, where it was five days ago, according to the weather official

Lavrov arrives in Turkmenistan on official visit

The top Russian diplomat was welcomed at the airport by Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ivan Volynkin

Pentagon praises combat capability of Russian army, highlighting naval, UAV capabilities

Lieutenant-General Alexus Grynkewich noted that the Russian Navy is also a formidable force due to the commissioning of new ships and submarines

Russian stocks close in the red on Tuesday

The yuan exchange rate against the ruble added 4 kopecks to 10.91 rubles

Contribution of creative economy to Russian GDP totals 4% in 2024 — PM

Three quarters of revenue "are ensured by five sectors, including software, advertising, gastronomy, performing arts, and design," Mikhail Mishustin added

NATO doesn’t plan to make its summit statement confrontational toward Russia — minister

"I think the most important thing now is that tensions between NATO and Russia do not escalate further and that we prioritize solving problems through diplomatic negotiations," Peter Szijjarto said

Press review: Russia plays crisis control in Iran and smooths out pain points with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 24th

Iranian president says Tehran is ready to settle problems in relations with US

Masoud Pezeshkian noted that Iran welcomes any assistance from the friendly and brotherly countries

Russia says battlegroup East destroyed up to 190 Ukrainian soldiers, 3 Starlink stations

According to the battlegroup's spokesman, three artillery pieces, including a US-made M109 Paladin self-propelled gun, were destroyed during counter-battery combat

US intelligence says US strikes did not destroy Iran's nuclear facilities — CNN

"This alleged assessment is flat-out wrong," CNN quoted White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt as saying

Indian authorities announce final casualties from Ahmedabad plane crash

The state health department confirmed that all bodies have been recovered from the crash site: 260 have been identified through DNA analysis, while six others were recognized based on facial recognition

Russia trusts Serbia's promise to halt arms exports, but will 'verify it' — SVR chief

On June 23, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service once again reported that Belgrade is using indirect channels to export military products to Ukraine and is ramping up supplies to Kiev’s armed forces

Donbass Dome neutralizes 500-600 Ukrainian drones over DPR every week

DPR head Denis Pushilin emphasized the system's ongoing presence and significance

Attack on US Al Udeid base in Qatar 'to scar' relations with Iran — PM

According to Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a telephone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed regret that the target of the Iranian strike was located on Qatari territory

Iran launched at least 11 missiles toward Israel within two hours

The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed a sixth wave of missile launches originating from Iranian territory

Xi Jinping won’t travel to Brazil for BRICS summit, SCMP says

According to the newspaper, Beijing informed the Brazilian government that the Chinese delegation to the summit will be led by Prime Minister Li Qiang

Sibur aims to increase share in rubber export markets — CEO

Sibur focuses in parallel on joint projects with domestic manufacturers, where there is also the potential to boost the demand