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Middle East conflict

Israeli planes make 600 midair refuelings during operation in Iran — IDF

"Aerial refueling is a crucial component of the Israeli Air Force's operations in Iran, enabling the continued maintenance of aerial superiority in the region," the IDF added

TEL AVIV, June 18. /TASS/. Since the start of Israel’s operation against the Iranian nuclear program, Israeli planes have completed 600 aerial refueling missions in Middle Eastern airspace, the press service of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

"Since the beginning of Operation ‘Rising Lion,’ dozens of IAF fighter jets have been operating in the skies of Iran and striking military targets belonging to the Iranian regime," the IDF said. "The IAF’s aerial refueling aircraft support these fighter jets, conducting dozens of sorties and performing over 600 aerial refuelings in the skies of the Middle East thus far."

"Aerial refueling is a crucial component of the Israeli Air Force's operations in Iran, enabling the continued maintenance of aerial superiority in the region," the IDF added.

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Ukraine’s prime minister seen as candidate for defense minister — lawmaker

Vladimir Zelensky announced on July 10 that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov may be appointed ambassador to the United States

Ukraine, EU lost in conflict with Russia but pretend they can win — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban noted that EU leaders still aim to "defeat Russia on Ukrainian territory" and, toward this goal, continue to provide Kiev with both military and financial support

Two cruise liners to be built in three years, Russian First Deputy PM says

"It is necessary to provide for the transfer of two counterpart series liners to the customer after the lead ship," Denis Manturov added

FACTBOX: Casualties in Lipetsk, Tula Regions after overnight drone strike

As a result of the drone strikes, one person was killed and another injured in both Lipetsk and Tula regions

Kiev throws reserves from Lugansk, Donetsk Republics into fighting in Sumy area — expert

"We can say that Kiev now has the Sumy direction as a priority," Andrey Marochko told

Russia sees why North Korea develops its nuclear program — Lavrov

"The technologies used by North Korea are the result of the work of its own scientists," the Russian foreign minister stated

Russia to commemorate memory of North Korean soldiers fallen for Kursk Region — Lavrov

"This was our initiative, which our Korean friends supported," the Russian foreign minister said

Ukraine loses over 1,280 servicemen in special op zone over 24 hours

Thus, Ukraine lost over 170 servicemen in the responsibility zone of the Battlegroup North, up to 225 troops in the area of the Battlegroup West, over 185 in the zone of the Battlegroup South, up to 450 in the area of the Battlegroup Center, over 190 in the Battlegroup East’s zone, and up to 60 servicemen in the area of the Battlegroup Dnepr

Top Hungarian diplomat blames von der Leyen for raised US tariffs

According to Trump, there will be no tariffs if the EU begins manufacturing their products within the United States

UN-led world order could come crashing down soon — Lula

The Brazilian leader pointed out that the first fractures in the existing world order began with the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the current conflict in the Gaza Strip presents the clearest evidence of the crisis of the entire international relations system

Ukraine conflict to end on battlefield, not at negotiating table — expert

Hasan Unal believes that "at some point, the Ukrainian army will become incapable of fighting"

Saudi Arabia ready to develop partnership with Russian companies — minister

According to Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia Bandar al-Khorayef, Russia has extensive experience in the production of steel, aluminum, titanium and other products

Only ground operation can finish off Iran’s nuclear program, says ex-NATO chief

James Stavridis pointed out that US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the strikes on Iran's nuclear program in June had "obliterated" the Iranian nuclear program was widely challenged

Russia may support Iran in rebuilding damaged infrastructure — Iran’s ambassador

"Russia can play a role both in reconstructing the damaged civilian infrastructure and as a mediator to ease tensions, if needed," Kazem Jalali said

Russia set to protect its interests in Arctic from other countries' pressure — Kremlin

The French Defense Ministry earlier published its Arctic defense strategy, under which Paris plans to deploy armed forces in the region and strengthen the influence of the EU and NATO

West group destroys more than 230 Ukrainian troops over day

Group also destroyed 51 unmanned aircraft control points and five ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army

Slovakia aims to reach agreement with EU on Russian gas by July 15 — PM Fico

At the same time, he noted that it is difficult to predict when an agreement satisfactory to Bratislava will be reached and when the EU will be ready to adopt new anti-Russian sanctions

Russia, North Korea set to restore maritime links — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also expressed hope that tourism between the two countries would grow

Press review: Trump ramps up rhetoric toward Russia as EU eyes Ukraine accession talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 10th

Kremlin can't say if Trump's threat to ‘bomb Moscow’ is fake or not

Dmitry Peskov said that he is not authorized to comment on statements made by an American politician in the US

Erdogan hails PKK disarmament as major step toward terrorism-free Turkey

The Turkish leader wished for God’s help on the path the country is following "for the sake of our security, our people, and lasting peace in the region"

Ukrainian troops were aware that they were targeting civilians in Alyoski — expert

According to Igor Korotchenko, the fact that the Ukrainian side is using drone to hamper rescuers from approaching the site to clear the debris and save people trapped under it adds cynicism to the situation

Kremlin refuses to comment on essence of Russia’s recent proposals to US on Ukraine

"I cannot reveal them to you for obvious reasons," Dmitry Peskov said

German chancellor hyping up ‘Russian threat’ — senior Russian MP

Merz earlier called on US President Donald Trump to stay with the Europeans on the Ukrainian problem and signaled to Russian President Vladimir Putin "we will not give up"

Brussels pushing Kiev to fight 'until last Ukrainian' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that the Europeans are discussing various plans for financially sustaining Ukraine in order to push it toward further escalation of this war at any cost

Russia, North Korea to stay committed to Strategic Partnership Treaty — Lavrov

Lavrov noted North Korea’s contribution to the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

Zelensky says US arms supplies resume

On June 10, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the supply of American weapons continues under a schedule agreed between the Washington administration and Congress

US Senate committee approves $500 million in military aid to Kiev through 2028

The relevant provision was included in the draft US defense budget for fiscal year 2026, which was approved by the committee

Russia, North Korea heard Trump’s statements on need to resume dialogue — Lavrov

But nothing more has followed so far, the Russian foreign minister said

Western sanctions disrupt implementation of Russia-UN memorandum’s tasks — MFA

Russia and the UN may not cease collaboration on food security issues after the termination of their memorandum on July 22, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement

Moldovan government accelerates persecution of opposition ahead of elections — politician

Marina Tauber added that the Moldovan authorities fear fair competition because, under truly democratic conditions, they would lose power

German major general admits Russia has initiative in Ukraine

Freuding said that the situation in the air had worsened in recent weeks, especially in the large cities and towns of Ukraine

Coalition of willing ready to deploy to Ukraine immediately after ceasefire — Macron

The French president said the plans for assistance to Ukraine were not related to the program of bilateral Franco-British military cooperation

Moscow warns US, allies against threatening security of Russia, North Korea — Lavrov

"The North Korean leadership drew the necessary conclusions long before the Israeli and US strikes on Iran," the Russian Foreign Minister said

Press review: Lavrov, Rubio meet again as EU parliament blocks motion on von der Leyen

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 11th

Europe better start mutually respectful dialogue with Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the EU has decided to spend tens of billions of euros of taxpayers’ money to support Kiev

Saudi Arabia would welcome Aurus assembly in country — industry minister

"We welcome any brand that comes, creates its own production and localizes it," Bandar al-Khorayef said

Hamas threatens to start taking Israeli troops in Gaza hostage

According to the recent data from Israel, radicals still hold 20 living hostages and the bodies of 30 captives

Ukrainian army loses 135 soldiers, 2 ammunition depots in South group's area of operations

South group of forces occupied more advantageous lines and positions, defeated the manpower and equipment of four mechanized, motorized infantry, and airmobile brigades of the Ukrainian army

Ukrainian army loses up to 65 troops in Dnepr area of responsibility over past day

The enemy also lost 11 vehicles and nine electronic warfare stations

Trump says US allies will pay for Ukraine weapons

The US president added that the deal was reached at a NATO summit last month

Leader of Los Choneros drug cartel agrees to be extradited from Ecuador to US

In the United States, he was charged with "criminal conspiracy for the purpose of international cocaine trafficking," smuggling and the use of weapons

At least five die, 14 wounded in weapons depot blast in Syria’s Aleppo — TV

According to witnesses, several buildings located near the military facility were damaged

Russia controls almost all Chasov Yar, only one district under Ukraine — expert

The military expert noted that the number of Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar remains approximately the same, however, "the qualitative composition of the Ukrainian militants has suffered significantly"

Lavrov to pay three-day visit to North Korea, arrives in Wonsan

North Korea became the second leg of the tour of the head of Russian diplomacy in Asia

What is known about building collapse following Ukrainian strike in Kherson Region

There have been no reports about the number of those trapped under the rubble and their condition

North Korea reaffirms unambiguous support for all special op goals — Lavrov

"In turn, we once again expressed our sincere gratitude for the contribution of Korean People’s Army servicemen to the successful liberation of the Kursk Region from Ukrainian Nazis and foreign mercenaries," the Russian foreign minister added

West believes Trump sees Zelensky as main obstacle on path to peace — FT

The sources said that the American Patriot complexes are crucial for the protection of Ukraine, but they will not affect its ability to strike back and will not change the overall dynamics of the conflict as a whole

Saudi Arabia ready to cooperate with Russia In rare earth metals — Minister

"We are now at a stage of greater understanding, so we need cooperation, an attempt to get more data on our reserves of rare earth metals and the type of metals," al-Khorayef said

Countries undermine global security by exiting landmine ban — Belarusian Defense Ministry

Valery Revenko, Head of the Department of International Military Cooperation and Assistant to the Belarusian Defense Minister for International Military Cooperation, also pointed out that Ukraine’s intention to withdraw from the treaty would only worsen the country’s existing demining challenges

Kim notes importance of Lavrov’s visit

Lavrov, in turn, said jokingly that the first guest was Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora who "did so much advertising that I could not but accept your invitation"

Von der Leyen survives confidence vote as dissent surprises Brussels

The European Commission president argued that the EU "needs strength, vision, and the capacity to act"

Trump may introduce new sanctions on Russia on July 14 — agency

It could also be, potentially, an announcement of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Bloomberg's Greg Sullivan said

Western military presence in Ukraine near Russian borders unacceptable — Kremlin

This issue remains extremely important for our country, Dmitry Peskov stated

Kremlin says awaits Trump's important announcement about Russia

Dmitry Peskov said that the Kremlin thoroughly registers all nuances in comments from the US head of state

PKK disarmament marks new chapter for Turkey — Erdogan

The Turkish president announced that the 47-year era of terrorism in the republic

Kiev senselessly destroying troops, equipment in attempt to contain Russian army — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, Kiev's losses, including foreign mercenaries, amounted to nearly 4,000 troops in the Lugansk People’s Republic over the past week

Ukraine strikes Belgorod Arena sports complex with UAVs, no casualties reported — governor

Firefighting units are on-site working to extinguish a fire on the roof

Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup Dnepr in special military operation area

Andrey Belousov was informed on the operational evaluation of new weapons developed by the Kalashnikov Group firearms manufacturer

US imposes visa sanctions against Cuban officials — Rubio

The statement reads that the United States is also imposing sanctions on 11 properties in Cuba, which, according to Washington, are associated with its authorities

Russian, North Korean foreign ministers sign plan of exchanges between MFAs

The signing took place as part of the second round of strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level between the two countries

Dozens of people buried under debris in Alyoshki after Ukraine’s attack — governor

According to Vladimir Saldo, the building was struck with two air bombs

US 'sanction moves', future ties with Russia: remarks by deputy foreign minister

TASS has compiled the main statements of Sergey Ryabkov

Senior officer of Ukraine's Security Service gunned down in Kiev — former Ukrainian deputy

Ivan Voronich served as a senior operations officer of the 1st Department of the 16th Directorate of the Special Operations Center since November 2024

Moscow regrets that Europe unwilling to hear Russia’s position — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov commented on French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statement about the readiness of the "Coalition of the Willing" to be deployed in Ukraine immediately after the ceasefire

European leadership seeks to mobilize continent for war against Russia — Lavrov

"The latest statements and actions coming from Berlin, Paris, and London indicate that the current generation of politicians who have come to power in these and a number of other countries have forgotten the lessons of history," the Russian foreign minister said

Lavrov arrives in North Korea for working visit as his plane lands in Wonsan

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, while in Wonsan, the top Russian diplomat will hold talks with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui

Musk's associates quit DOGE following billionaire's lead — media

According to the report, at least seven programmers have already left DOGE, and three more are planning to depart

West 'squeezing' Poland to send troops to Ukraine — president

Andrzej Duda emphasized that he did not consider Poland’s participation in a potential NATO stabilization mission in Ukraine necessary

FBI head wants resignation of attorney general over conflict in Epstein case — portal

According to The Daily Wire, Patel also does not rule out that he will leave his position like his deputy Dan Bongino

US officials ‘shutting up’ those seeking truth on Epstein case — Tucker Carlson

The US journalist also suggested that Epstein may have worked for Israel

What is known about building collapse following Ukrainian strike in Kherson Region

The Ukrainian armed forces are using drones to prevent response teams from reaching the building collapse site

Lavrov greeted by crowd with flowers before talks with North Korean foreign minister

The Russian-Korean meeting is part of a second round of a strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers

Russia, North Korea struggling against making Eurasia NATO’s domain — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, both countries are advocating principles of international law

Putin approves principles of Russia's national language policy

The document aims to preserve, develop, and support the Russian language, the official languages of Russia’s regions, and other indigenous languages, while also promoting Russian globally

French bureaucrats hinder freedom of speech, technological progress — Telegram co-founder

Earlier, the media reported that an investigation had been launched in France into the possible illegal use of data on the social network X

Murder of Hungarian in Transcarpathia confirms that Ukraine cannot join EU — Hungarian PM

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry summoned Ukrainian Ambassador to Budapest Fegyir Sandor and demanded an explanation for Jozsef Szebestien's death

Merz’s messages to Putin, Trump not geared towards peace — Russian MP

Leonid Slutsky slammed the German chancellor’s actions as a "dead-end policy leading only to a global confrontation"

Lavrov reflects on Rubio meeting, European militarization, provocations targeting DPRK

TASS has compiled key highlights from the Russian foreign minister's statements

Netanyahu deliberately prolongs war in Gaza to stay in power — NYT

The publication found out that, under the pressure from the far-right coalition allies, Netanyahu slowed down the negotiations at the key moments when the radical Palestinian movement Hamas was most ready to make a deal

EU not interested in Ukraine retaking lost territories — newspaper

According to the paper, the World Bank estimates the damage Ukraine has suffered during Russia’s special military operation at about $500 bln

Iran’s ambassador to Russia outlines precondition for talks on nuclear issue

Kazem Jalali stressed that Iranians "have never walked away from the negotiating table"

Trump teases Russia announcement, says moves coming

The US leader said in an interview on Thursday that he planned to make an important statement concerning Russia on Monday

Witkoff wants to lift energy sanctions on Russia — Politico

"That debate is also firing up the administration," the newspaper reported

Russia challenges US court's decision to continue proceedings with ex-Yukos shareholders

Russia, in particular, insisted that the proceedings should be discontinued, since the District of Columbia Court does not have jurisdiction to consider it

Ukraine to get long-range systems as part of project with Germany by end of July — general

Christian Freuding said that Kiev "needs weapons systems capable of penetrating deep into the Russian territory and attacking warehouses, command posts, airfields, and airplanes"

Putin, Kim Jong Un likely to meet in future — Lavrov

The Russian President and North Korean leader are in constant communication, the Russian foreign minister said

Yunakovka in Sumy Region moves into gray zone, Ukraine abandons some positions — expert

Andrey Marochko said that several strategic heights in the southwest and southeast of Yunakovka are still under Ukrainian control, which makes it difficult for the Russian army to advance rapidly in this sector of the front

Kim Jong Un receives Lavrov — Russian Foreign Ministry

The Russian foreign minister also conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kim

Russian forces advance faster on Krasny Liman by liberating Zelyonaya Dolina — expert

According to Igor Kimakovsky, the liberation of the settlement creates the conditions for disrupting enemy logistics on this frontline sector

Russia to only promote issues of interest to Pyongyang in dialogue with Seoul — Lavrov

"North Korea is our ally," the Russian foreign minister said

German comedian to stand trial in Germany over Trump assassination post

According to Suddeutsche Zeitung, the trial against Hotz is scheduled to begin on July 23 in the Tiergarten district court

Iran’s cooperation with IAEA not halted, its format will be changed — top diplomat

According to the top Iranian diplomat, Tehran is concerned over issues of ensuring IAEA inspectors’ security at Iranian nuclear facilities because there risks of detonating unexploded munitions after the war with Israel

West needs Ukraine only to fight against Russia, former PM says

"As for their strategic goal, they don’t need a developed Ukraine but they need it to maintain its ability to fight Russia for as long as possible," Nikolay Azarov stated

Ukraine conference in Rome lacks weight, significance — newspaper

According to the report, the only significant point for Italy and its PM Giorgia Meloni was the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Ukraine loses up to 175 troops in area of North group responsibility over day

The enemy also lost two armored combat vehicles, six vehicles, three field artillery guns, an electronic warfare station, three three ammunition depots and three material depots

Russian diplomat slams suppliers of weapons to Kiev as sponsors of ‘terrorist scum’

Maria Zakharova stressed that those who supply weapons to the Kiev regime became complicit in the killing of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure

Russia closing Polish consulate in Kaliningrad as response measure — Foreign Ministry

The ministry explained this step by "the Polish side’s ungrounded and unfriendly actions as it reduced Russia’s consular presence in Poland under an invented pretext"

Apartment building collapses in Kherson Region due to Ukrainian airstrike

Governor Vladimir Saldo said that civilians are trapped under the rubble

North Korea to support Russia’s policy of protecting its sovereignty — foreign minister

"The participation of the military units of the DPRK armed forces in the operation to liberate the Kursk Region clearly demonstrates the highest level of our cooperation and has become an important historical event that opened a new lane of Korean-Russian cooperation," Choe Son Hui said

Russian troops liberate six communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russian troops delivered six strikes by precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles on Ukrainian military sites over the week