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Middle East conflict

Israeli strikes on Damascus kill 1 person, injure 18 others — Syrian Health Ministry

All hospitals in Damascus have been put on high alert to take care of all the wounded

CAIRO, July 16. /TASS/. At least one person was killed and 18 others wounded in the Israeli strikes on Damascus, the Syrian Health Ministry said.

"One civilian was killed and 18 others suffered injuries in the Israeli strikes on the Syrian capital," it said in a statement on Telegram.

The Al Watan newspaper reported that all hospitals in Damascus have been put on high alert to take care of all the wounded.

Israel carried out several airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday. The first of them targeted the area of the capital that is home to the General Staff of the Syrian Armed Forces, and the subsequent ones hit the General Staff building and, according to news reports, the presidential palace.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the bombing of the Syrian capital, linking it to the escalating situation in southern Syria, where the Israeli-backed Druze people have been engaged in fighting since July 13.

Israel to give ‘unprecedented’ response if attacked — military

"The lessons of Operation ‘Rising Lion’ have been implemented", Chief of the General Staff of the IDF Eyal Zamir said

Putin takes traditional icy plunge to mark Orthodox Epiphany — Kremlin

"Epiphany is a great holiday for the President, as for all Orthodox believers who work in the Kremlin," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Kremlin agrees that Trump will go down in history if he annexes Greenland

According to Dmitry Peskov, by resolving the issue of Greenland's accession, the US leader will go down not only in US history, but in world history as well

Press review: Trump pressures Denmark as US business signals Arctic ties with Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, January 16th

Speaking of love for Russia is prohibited in France — French politician

Fabrice Sorlin criticized the French media for one-sided coverage

'Black holes' of the Russian Navy

For the first time TASS publishes photos of Project 636.3 Varshavyanka submarines taken from a quadrocopter during sea trials in the Baltic Sea

Kazakhstan’s president accepts Trump’s invitation to join Board of Peace for Gaza

Ruslan Zheldibay, the Kazakh leader’s aide and press secretary, added that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev "sent a letter to the US president, expressing his sincere gratitude"

US purchase of Greenland to send 'disastrous signal' to Ukraine — Guardian

Agreeing to sell part of the territory of an EU member state, should it take place, would alarm Ukraine, which is not even a member of the bloc

Russian businessman says it would be cheaper for EU to pay Russia for Greenland's security

Oleg Deripaska urged European nations to reconsider their options for allocating funds, proposing that a resolution to the Ukraine conflict could be achieved at a fraction of the cost - around 150 billion euros

Russia, Belarus cannot be divided, in terms of defense they are one whole — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader said that Minsk and Moscow are ready to defend their interests

No one will help Ukraine after conflict except Russia, Belarus — Lukashenko

The Belarusian leader urged Ukrainians to recognize that the issue is not merely about territorial gains

Kiev, Odessa, Kharkov hardest-hit by power supply outages in Ukraine

Reports of emergency power outages have been coming from Kiev and several Ukrainian regions since morning

Kalashnikov to display loitering munitions tested in special op zone in Abu Dhabi

The Kub-2E and Kub-10E have received positive reviews from service members in the special military operation zone

Infrastructure facilities suffer damage in Ukraine’s southern Odessa Region

Explosions were reported in Odessa in the early hours of Monday

US dollar share in global reserves drop to its lowest in twenty years

The analysts noted that gold now accounts for more global FX reserves than Euro, Yen and Pound combined

Kurdish coalition in Syria to remain intact, commander says

Mazloum Abdi announced a trip to Damascus on January 19 to "finalize work on the agreement," the details of which will be announced after his return

Press review: Europe, US on brink of trade war as Russia ready to respond to UK plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 19th

Exhibition featuring Russian frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov opens in Doha

A presentation showcasing warships from Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and France was held at Hamad Port

Russian Il-114-300 aircraft to take part in flight program of exhibition in India

Rostec reported that the aircraft is built using domestic components and is equipped with TV7-117ST-01 engines of the United Engine Corporation

Europe manipulates peace narrative on Ukraine — Kherson governor

On January 12, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Russia "has to show that they are interested in peace"

Voting at Portugal’s presidential election over

As many as 11 candidates, ten men and one woman, are vying for the office

US push for peace in Ukraine aimed at 'resetting' relations with Russia — Politico

The expert believes that if Russia decides that negotiations on Ukraine are no longer possible, "the fighting will continue — no matter what"

Ukraine, US agree to continue talks in Davos — Umerov

However, Ukrainian Security and Defense Council Secretary said nothing about a potential meeting between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Davos on January 19-23

FACTBOX: Orthodox feast of Epiphany

On January 19 Orthodox believers in Russia celebrate Epiphany

Merz calls Russia 'European country,' hopes to achieve balance in relations

The Chancellor said his comment was not because he was in the east of Germany

Riots in Iran organized by Israeli agents — Iranian ambassador to Russia

Kazem Jalali noted that an analysis of the key players’ actions during the period in question shows "a shift in tactics and a turn to violence following the failure to achieve the stated objectives"

EU may influence Trump on Greenland by threatening to remove US bases — The Economist

According to the magazine, it will be extremely difficult for Washington to project its military power into Africa and the Middle East without access to European military bases

Medvedev advises Trump to 'take' Greenland before it choses to join Russia

In his opinion, if Greenland were captured, Donald Trump would have a new position — acting president of Greenland

Many in France sympathize with Russia and Putin — politician

Russia has millions of supporters in France, Fabrice Sorlin said

All of French army to fit into football stadium — politician

Potential deployment of French troops to Ukraine would have no impact on the frontlines, Fabrice Sorlin said

Russia’s newest Supercam S180 drone to be unveiled at Abu Dhabi UMEX 2026 expo

The Unmanned Systems Group also noted that the developer will put on display its flagship UAV, the Supercam S350, which has proven itself in both civilian and military applications

Belarus invited to join Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza

According to Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman Ruslan Varankov, the president responded positively to the invitation

Starmer criticizes Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Europe

British Prime Minister said that "applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong," the statement reads

Japan’s prime minister conveyed to Putin that ties with Moscow matter to Tokyo

Expert Masaru Sato believes the message was conveyed to Putin after the Japanese lawmaker passed it on to Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, whom he met on December 26

Putin receives US invitation to join Board of Peace on Gaza — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is currently studying all the details of this proposal

Ukraine’s military shells Russia’s Kursk Region over 30 times in past 24 hours

Governor Alexander Khinshtein said the Ukrainian drone attack set fire to a building in the village of Bolshoye Soldatskoye

Venezuela to strengthen oil and gas industry, authorized president says

"This stage requires unity and greatness from us as a nation," Delcy Rodriguez said

Europe should fear US, while fear of Russia is unjustified — political scientist

Jeffrey Sachs recommended that Europe make its own security arrangements

Denmark chooses to skip World Economic Forum in Davos

The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting will be held on January 19-23

Hungary says ‘no’ to Ukraine’s accession to EU — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto recalled that under the Treaty on European Union, new members can be admitted to the community only on a consensus basis, hence, this cannot be done without Hungary’s consent

Russian troops liberate Novopavlovka, move closer to Druzhkovka

According to Igor Kimakovsky, an adviser to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, it creates a number of tactical advantages

Germany might raise rent for US military bases over tariffs — newspaper

According to the newspaper’s sources in Berlin, Germany is not considering the closure of US military bases on its territory

Macron describes Russia as enemy to divert attention from problems in France — politician

Fabrice Sorlin emphasized that Russian officials have never threatened France or discussed invading European countries

Ukrainian army suffering heavy losses at Orekhov in Zaporozhye Region — governor

According to Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russian Armed Forces continue offensive in the area of four settlements in the Zaporozhye Region

Putin discusses Russia’s role in multipolar world with Russian Security Council members

A report was delivered by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Czech PM fears Europe has lost Russia's ear forever

Andrej Babis earlier emphasized that his country would not provide funds to Kiev from its state budget

Many merchant ships refuse to call at Odessa seaports — Ukrainian grain association

According to the UGA, the situation has deteriorated notably in recent days

Skat-350M drone with KUB-2 munition equipped with Russian software — Kalashnikov

According to Alan Lushnikov, the effectiveness of the company's products is confirmed by their active use in the special military operation zone

Ukraine loses 20 troops in Russian Grad strike near Konstantinovka

Russia’s Battlegroup South also destroyed three vehicles

European diplomacy is impotent, there is no one to talk to Russia — Medvedchuk

According to the head of the Other Ukraine movement, the arrogance with which Europe spoke to the rest of the world has already cost it dearly

Trump's Greenland grab offers EU path to ally with Russia — entrepreneur

According to Kim Dotcom, in this case US President Donald Trump would become a pariah and the US plan "to profit from the fall of the EU" would fail

Colombian mercenary advises against joining Ukrainian army

According to Russia’s security agencies, at least 750 Colombian mercenaries fighting for Ukraine have been killed since the start of the special military operation

EU, UK hold ‘no cards’ on Greenland — Russian presidential envoy

Donald Trump announced earlier that Washington would begin to impose import tariffs of 10% on the UK, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, France, and Sweden, which will remain in place until the parties reach agreement on the full transfer of Greenland to the US

Iranian president warns against attacking country’s supreme leader

The statement followed US President Donald Trumps’ remarks in an interview with Politico where he called Khamenei a "sick man" and said that it is "time to look for new leadership in Iran"

Time in special military operation works in Russia’s favor — Medvedchuk

Ex-leader of the banned Opposition Platform - for Life party noted that "there are ongoing contacts with the US, and Europe is already looking for ways to resume engagement with Russia"

Bundeswehr servicemen suddenly ordered to leave Greenland — Bild

According to the outlet, 15 soldiers and officers led by Admiral Stefan Pauli are already at the airport in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and are due to depart on an Icelandair flight

Europe turns to Russia talks after realizing it’s being sidelined — Medvedchuk

Medvedchuk stressed that the principle behind the Ukrainian conflict is not a secret to anyone

Lower house of Japanese parliament to be dissolved on January 23 — PM

Sanae Takaichi added that the decision of whether she should be the head of government "belongs to the people"

US needs Greenland for effective use of Golden Dome missile defense system — Trump

The US leader noted that "highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it"

Trump says he feels no obligation to focus on peace efforts after Nobel Prize failure

The US president added that he had "done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States"

US policy shift likely to end in 'radical reshaping' of West — media

According to Politico, "for many European governments, including America’s longest-standing and most loyal allies, Trump’s threat of punitive tariffs against anyone who tries to stop him taking Greenland was the final straw"

Iran’s envoy to Russia expects violations of UN Charter to speed up US decline

Kazem Jalali noted that the UN Charter barred the organization’s members from using force and threatening to use force in international relations "against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state"

Iranian foreign ministry blames US, Israel for organizing riots

Unrest in Iran began on December 29 after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, and spread to most major cities

Denmark fails to eliminate 'Russian threat' to Greenland, Trump claims

According to the US president, now it is time, and it will be done

Italian organization members face prosecution for recruiting Europeans into Kiev’s army

According to the official statement, the investigation targets representatives of Associazione Stur, which operates both in Italy and Ukraine

Gazprom, Hungary's MOL agree on terms of NIS deal — Serbian Energy Ministry

According to Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic-Handanovic, partners from the United Arab Emirates are expected to participate in the deal

Kalashnikov repair teams service small arms, drones in special op zone

Alan Lushnikov added that the concern has a representative office in the special military operation zone, which is known to the Defense Ministry and where military personnel can always turn in the prescribed manner

Iranian ambassador calls Trump’s January remarks on Iran ‘provocative, absurd’

Kazem Jalali called Trump the "architect and implementer of the policy of maximum pressure and sanctions" who sends "absurd and contradictory signals

Newest AK-12 assault rifle developed based on combat experience analysis — Kalashnikov CEO

Alan Lushnikov added that the modernization had been preceded by extensive work

Russian forces thwart Ukrainian attempt to counterattack in Zaporozhye Region

As a result, an M1117 armored personnel carrier, a Kozak armored combat vehicle, and several Novator armored combat vehicles were destroyed, along with other military vehicles

About 60 countries invited to join Gaza Board of Peace — WSJ

According to the report, the majority of those invited responded in a "cautious" manner due to potential geopolitical risks

Trump decided not to attack Iran after calls from Israel, Saudi Arabia — news outlet

Mohammed bin Salman stressed that US military intervention could destabilize the situation in the Middle East overall

Russian forces push Ukrainian army away from Dnieper river shore near Kherson — commander

The Ukrainian army is trying to hold its positions at the edge of the right bank of the Dnieper River and is secretly shelling the left bank of the Kherson Region while avoiding any active armed clashes

Train collision in Spain leaves 10 dead, 25 injured

Around 300 people were on board one of the trains, which derailed and crashed onto a neighboring track

US to remain in NATO — treasury secretary

When asked what is more essential for the US national security, NATO or Greenland, Scott Bessent said, "Both"

Far-right, socialist candidates set to compete for Portugal’s presidency

As many as 11 candidates, ten men and one woman, are vying for the office, but none of them has secured 50% of the vote in the first round

Kiev to answer for crimes against civilians in Kherson Region — governor

Vladimir Saldo pointed out that Kiev sought to present its crimes as the fight for its interests but in fact, "they are on a human hunt"

Cabin of import-substituting SJ-100 to be revealed to public first at exhibition in India

SJ-100 is a Russian short-haul narrow-body aircraft, a new version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 with maximum locally sourced components

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 400 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian forces are 30 km from Slavyansk — DPR head

According to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, fierce fighting continues near the settlements of Grishino and Beletskoye

Explosions reported in Kiev-controlled part of Zaporozhye Region

An air raid warning is currently in effect for the Zaporozhye, Dnepropetrovsk, Nikolayev, Kharkov, and Chernigov regions

Ukraine loses around 1,210 troops across all directions of special military operation

Russian forces also carried out strikes on facilities assembling unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as on energy and transport sites operating in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Ukrainian army launches over 100 drones at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

The Ukrainian armed forces launched 19 fixed-wing drones at the Rovensky District.

Dmitriev calls on EU 'not to provoke Daddy,' recall soldiers from Greenland

Russia’s president special Representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries said that the EU should return the soldiers sent to Greenland

Construction of first reactor of Akkuyu plant almost completed

Akkuyu is the first nuclear power plant in Turkey

Denmark sending large contingent of troops to western Greenland — TV

Chief of the Danish Army Command Peter H. Boysen is also expected to arrive in Greenland

London’s threats to stop Russian ships amount to return to piracy — ambassador

Andrey Kelin noted that Western countries have long relied on double standards in attempts to "spite Russia," but their disregard of international law has now reached "unprecedented levels"

Macron to opt out of Trump’s Board of Peace over UN fears — Bloomberg

According to the report, the French leader believes that the new organization’s charter goes beyond the Gaza Strip issue

Putin to hold international contacts during upcoming week

A meeting with members of the government is also scheduled

Trump seeks to maintain warm relations with Putin — FT

According to the report, the US leader's invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the Gaza Board of Peace illustrates that

No immediate plans for Putin’s call with Venezuela’s authorized president — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russia maintains constant contact with Delcy Rodriguez via diplomatic channels

French politician calls for resuming dialogue with Russia, lifting sanctions

According to Florian Philippot, each European country must "restore its own independence and defend its own national interests" as the European Union actions only lead from one crisis to another

Terms of deal on NIS to be referred to US Treasury Department by January 23 — Vucic

The main provisions of the future contract are a clear definition of ownership rights, the structure of the future company, the percentage of shares, each company's share, the Serbian President said

Syrian interim president cancels visit to Germany — TV

Ahmed Al-Sharaa was scheduled to hold talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz

RDIF chief sure Europe will not be able to bar US from taking control of Greenland

"Europe will cave in, US will get Greenland," Kirill Dmitriev wrote

Western Europe prepares for war with Russia — Orban

In confirmation of this, the Hungarian prime minister said that recent meetings of the EU leaders "have turned into military councils" where the issue of "how to defeat Russia" is discussed

Trump demands $1 bln from countries for permanent seats on Gaza Peace Council — Bloomberg

The US President will decide who exactly to invite to join the "Peace Council," the news agency said

French troops do not want to fight Russia — politician

Fabrice Sorlin named two reasons for this

Ukraine to be put on back burner over Greenland at World Economic Forum in Davos

According to Politico, Europe is facing "the worst transatlantic crisis in decades"

France has real opportunity to leave NATO — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the discussion about France's withdrawal from NATO acquired new relevance thanks to the conscious decision of the US to officially return to an overt imperial policy

EU ready to take decisive action against Trump over Greenland — newspaper

According to a European diplomat familiar with the negotiations, retaliatory tariffs worth 93 billion dollars could be imposed "very quickly" compared to other options under discussion