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Middle East conflict

Israeli minister threatens to open ‘gates of hell’ against Hamas unless it frees hostages

Israel Katz also accused Hamas of turning Gaza into a "sea of ruins"

TEL AVIV, July 23. /TASS/. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas that "the gates of hell will open" if it doesn’t release the hostages in the near future.

"If they are not freed soon, the gates of hell will open," he said, the Ynet news website reported.

"The heads of Hamas abroad are celebrating in palaces and luxury hotels and refusing to release the hostages," the minister went on to say.

He also accused Hamas of turning Gaza into a "sea of ruins."

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said on Wednesday that Hamas is still refusing to release hostages from Gaza and is putting forward unfeasible conditions in the ongoing talks to resolve the situation in the enclave. However, the Israeli negotiating team remains in Doha to continue the talks, as the goal is to bring the hostages home.

Mencer mentioned that Hamas continues to hold 50 hostages. According to Israeli officials, 20 of them are still alive.

Military operation in Ukraine

US, Ukraine achieve ‘a lot of progress’ at talks in Berlin, says US special envoy Witkoff

"Representatives held in-depth discussions regarding the 20-point plan for peace, economic agendas, and more," ha said

Sixty-eight ionizing radiation sources lost in Ukraine — Russia’s top brass

According to the report, the loss of control over ionizing radiation sources was qualified as a radiation accident

Death toll in Sydney terrorist attack rises to 15 — minister

Ryan Park added that four of those injured in the shooting had been transferred to the children’s hospital

Kremlin aide confident Zelensky's talk of elections comes from US pressure

"What a double-dealing," Yury Ushakov said

West erodes traditional values — Russian Foreign Ministry

"The deliberate erosion of these foundations and the relentless attempts by the neoliberal elite of the West to impose alien approaches on other nations are deeply disturbing," Kirill Logvinov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organizations, said

Russia focuses on US instead of Europe in terms of Ukraine peace process — Kremlin

The Europeans are playing their own game, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

China highly praises Putin’s position on Taiwan, diplomat says

Lin Jian also pointed out that recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of China is a basic principle for building relations with China

Russia’s response to EU freeze of Russian assets will follow shortly — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also noted that the European Union’s policy toward Russia has long been devoid of any sound logic and resembles a theater of the absurd

Zelensky blackmails Western handlers to get them secure his re-election — Russian diplomat

Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential powers expired on May 20, 2024

Saudi Arabia's crown prince may buy FC Barcelona for €10 bln

According to El Chiringuito journalist Francois Gallardo, club members participating in the club’s presidential election could block the sale

US forces conduct operation on ship traveling from China to Iran — WSJ

After the goods were confiscated, the ship continued on its way, the newspaper said

Israeli drone strikes on southern Lebanon leave three dead — health ministry

Drones attacked cars near the village of Jwaya in the border district of Tyre and on the highway between the towns of Safed and Baraashit, the statement said

Fico describes Ukraine as ‘black hole’ swallowing billions of euros

According to the Slovak prime minister, the European Union is currently in crisis

Explosion reported in Kiev-controlled city of Zaporozhye

An air raid warning is currently in effect for the city

Sydney beach shooting death toll rises to 12 — authorities

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon designated the attack as a "terrorist incident"

Russia’s SME sector could drive non-commodity export growth — PM

According to Mikhail Mishustin, the government will allocate 1.5 bln rubles to further encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to expand into international markets

Ukrainian drone attack leaves civilian injured in Russia’s Belgorod Region

A man sustained a mine-blast trauma and multiple shrapnel injuries to his legs

Analyst expects EU to cease to exist as global political entity by 2023

The idea of "a united Europe from Lisbon to Vladivostok" will ultimately give way to the reality of a divided, militarized, and economically weak continent

NATO specialists in Ukraine triggered special military operation — Kremlin

This posed a direct threat to Russian citizens in Ukraine, as well as broader security risks for Russia, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Explosion reported in Ukraine’s northern city of Sumy

An air raid warning is currently in effect for the Sumy Region

Lukashenko pardons more than 100 citizens of various countries

Among them are citizens of Australia, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Lithuania, the United States, Ukraine, and Japan

Lukoil International owning foreign assets of Russian oil producer to be sold to Gunvor

The sale of Lukoil International GmbH is due to restrictive measures imposed by some countries against the company and its subsidiaries, the oil major explained

'Paranoid' Hegseth removes Driscoll from Ukraine talks — media

According to the newspaper, Hegseth saw Driscoll as exceeding his authority during the Ukraine talks

Number of Russian billionaires climbs to record high 146 — Forbes

The total wealth of the richest Russians also climbed to a record high $625.5 bln over the year, the Russian edition of Forbes says

Syrian security forces carry out operation against Islamic State near Palmyra — media

According to Syria TV, the US-led coalition is also carrying out arrests in Palmyra and surrounding areas in response to the shooting

Ukrainian forces facing huge losses in Kharkov Region — Russian security officer

Ukrainian commanders are chaotically deploying brigade forces to various parts of the frontline in the Kharkov Region in an attempt to stop Battlegroup North from advancing

Turkey's position on Gaza settlement remains unchanged - Erdogan

The Turkish government has repeatedly emphasized the need to resolve the Palestinian crisis through a two-state solution

Medvedev rejects accusations of Russia’s ‘disproportionate use of force’

There were several explosions in Kiev this night

North Korean combat engineers clear mines on over 40,000 hectares in Russia’s Kursk Region

This is invaluable help in the work, without which our borderline territory cannot be rebuilt, Governor Alexander Khinshtein said

Japan to suspend support of new solar parks — newspaper

According to sources in the government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the decision was made over concerns about environmental damage and the negative attitude of the local population

Companies plan to transport cargo worth $1.1 trillion along Northern Sea Route — minister

The Arctic plays a huge role in the global economy: mineral resources - fertilizers, nickel, cobalt, platinum, copper; hydrocarbons - oil, gas, pulp and paper production and products of the timber industry, diamonds and shipbuilding, Alexey Chekunkov noted

Evacuation underway after blast struck village in Vladimir Region

According to the report, all emergency response forces are engaged

Russian rescuers helped more than 120 residents of quake-hit Myanmar

Russian doctors are conducting consultations and additional examinations

Zelensky started to promote war after coming to power on promises of peace — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the Minsk Agreements were in fact a staged plan that had been signed by all parties, including Poroshenko

Russia hands over another 1,200 bodies of Ukrainian servicemen to Ukraine — source

Kiev has not handed over a single body to the Russian side

World-renowned Russian Choir to bring Victory Songs to Europe and US in 2018

The Turetsky Choir plans to visit more places after the Victory Songs had received a warm welcome in Berlin

Severstal delists from London Stock Exchange since August 22 — company

Earlier, it was reported that termination of listing and the GDR program of Severstal were caused by a number of sanction restrictions against the company

About 10,000 mercenaries fighting for Kiev regime killed in Ukraine — ex-intel officer

However it is difficult to give the exact number of mercenaries killed in Ukraine, noted Vasily Prozorov

Zelensky: big business tycoons, diplomats make mistake by leaving Ukraine

The Ukrainian president stressed that his own family remained in Kiev

Kremlin spokesman critical of NATO chief’s remark about preparations for war

This must be a statement by a person from the generation that has forgotten what World War II was like, noted Dmitry Peskov

Sri Lanka's cyclone death toll reaches 643

Another 184 people are missing

India may impose retaliatory duties on US over tariffs on car imports — WTO

The safeguard measures will affect $2,895 million worth of relevant goods from India to the United States annually

Russian delegation arrives in Washington for G20 sherpa meeting — envoy

The first meetings will take place on December 15-16, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev said

Hungarian, Polish foreign ministers exchange heated remarks on Russian assets online

The spat started with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s post, which stated that the EU leaders’ decision to seize Russian assets without consulting Hungary violates numerous laws and is "a declaration of war"

Ukrainian forces stretched thin in DPR, Russian commander says

Alexey Vereshchagin, commander of the Nevsky reconnaissance-assault brigade of Battlegroup South’s volunteer corps said that his "brigade’s zone of responsibility covers the city of Soledar, as well as the Kramatorsk and Druzhkovka area"

Press review: NATO divided over Ukraine’s status and US-Venezuela conflict escalates

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 12th

Thailand ready for cooperation to settle conflict with Cambodia

The Thai Armed Forces Joint Press Center stressed that Thai actions in the conflict with Cambodia are "within the framework of self-defense under international law, guided by the principles of necessity, proportionality, and distinction, and in strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement, with operations directed solely at military targets"

Russia welcomes FIDE’s decision to reinstate Russian chess players’ rights — Peskov

"We deeply appreciate this decision made following the vote of the General Assembly," Russian presidential spokesman said

Euroclear ready to lawsuits in Russian courts due to assets blocking

The European Commission and the Belgian government made no comments on such news so far

Trump admits looming difficulties for Republicans at midterm elections

US President also said that he had brought multibillion-dollar investments for the United States, though it is unclear when the money would start working

FIDE to consult with IOC on lifting sanctions against Russians

Sixty-one participants voted in favor of lifting all restrictions on Russian chess players, while 51 opposed the measure

Proton-M launch delayed to fix problems — Roscosmos

The postponement will not affect the planned scientific program

Zelensky maneuvering when he announces referendum on territories — Ukraine’s former PM

Nikolay Azarov also stressed that Vladimir Zelensky has never consulted the people of Ukraine

US-Ukraine talks in Berlin last over five hours — media

According to Novosti Live, Vladimir Zelensky plans to comment on the progress of the negotiations on Monday

Extremist Ukrainian database Mirotvorets doxes chiefs of two Russian sports federations

The sports officials at the issue are President of the Russian Judo Federation Sergey Soloveichik and President of the Russian Skateboarding Federation Ilya Vdovin

Russia shoots down 235 Ukrainian UAVs over regions overnight

Two of them were shot down over the Leningrad Region and one over the Moscow Region

Sales of Russian IT solutions almost double in three years — PM Mishustin

Mikhail Mishustin said that the share of IT in Russia’s aggregate GDP gained more than one third in three years, having reached 2.4%

Kremlin discusses duration of Putin-Macron conversation

Dmitry Peskov said that there was a detailed exchange of opinions

Russian air defenses down 290 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in past day

Also air defenses downed four smart bombs

Putin, Erdogan discuss highly sensitive issues in Ashgabat — Kremlin

The meeting in Turkmenistan lasted for about one and a half hours

Explosions reported in Ukraine’s Odessa Region

Air raid warnings are currently in effect for the Odessa, Nikolayev, and Sumy regions

Nigeria denies reports that supertanker seized by US is Nigerian

NIMASA confirmed that SKIPPER did indeed sail to Nigeria in 2024

Australian police arrest two more people over Sydney terrorist attack

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, police detained two men at a residence belonging to one of the attackers

Russian senator calls Merz's words recognition of major geopolitical shift

"This is a serious recognition of a major geopolitical shift, which not everyone believes in yet, but which has been looming for a long time," Alexey Pushkov noted

Police detain likely suspect of shooting at Brown University

No information has been released about the detainee’s identity or the motive behind the incident

Russia starts using Force reconnaissance drone, resistant to electronic warfare

The device is equipped with thermal imaging equipment and can work around the clock

US uses lighting bombs after attack by ISIS militants on patrol in Palmyra — TV

"American planes dropped lighting bombs in the sky over the city," Syria TV reported

Lifting US sanctions on Belarusian potash to affect fertilizer market, Minsk believes

According to member of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Alexander Shpakovsky, the results of the Belarusian-American talks meet the expectations of official Minsk

Russia to strongly object to changes to Ukraine peace plan — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov pointed out that Moscow had not seen the proposals yet

Man who stopped Sydney attacker turns out to be local fruit shop owner

Ahmed Al Ahmed’s cousin told 7News that he was injured during the struggle and taken to hospital, where he is awaiting surgery

Explosions damage energy infrastructure in Ukrainian city of Odessa — authorities

Transport and industrial facilities were also damaged

Zelensky to fail in trying to take Crimea back, secure NATO membership — Kremlin

According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, "there is a one million percent guarantee that it’s impossible"

NATO needs to prepare for global naval challenge from Russia, analysts say

The report adds that scenarios for a crisis "often focus on an escalation in what is a single strategic direction stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Kara Sea"

Thailand says ceasefire on Cambodia border depends on assessment of security situation

Thailand reiterates that it does not seek conflict and has not initiated violence, but it will not allow Thai civilians or personnel to be placed at risk

Number of injured in shooting at Brown University grows to nine

The shooter is yet to be detained

US hindering Venezuela to sell its oil, supply it to Cuba — Cuban foreign ministry

This step is part of escalation staged by the United States to bar Venezuela from realizing its legitimate right to the free use of and trade in its natural resources, the Cuban foreign ministry emphasized

Ukrainian soldiers frozen to death at Liman positions in Kharkov Region — defense source

Battlegroup North fighters found the frozen bodies of Ukrainian soldiers who had died from hyperthermia at two out of six positions they seized

EU, Britain have no moral right to participate in Ukraine talks — opposition politician

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, "the EU, which claims to be a bastion of free speech, remained silent as opposition media outlets were shut down, churches were seized from believers, and the rights of the Russian-speaking population were systematically violated"

Ukraine conflict could lead to World War III, Trump warns

The US president said the conflict in Ukraine "doesn’t really affect the United States, unless it got out of control"

Ukraine loses about 1,450 troops in special military operation zone in past day

The enemy lost over 240 troops in the area of responsibility of Russia’s Battlegroup North

IDF raids leave one dead, two wounded in West Bank — TV

According to the Al Jazeera channel, Israeli soldiers opened fire on a 21-year-old Palestinian in the town of Salim east of Nablus

Western actions on BiH have most negative impact on situation in Balkans — Lavrov

According to Russian Foreign Minister, the West "launched a layered campaign against the Serbs," wishing "to reformat the country through its unitarization by depriving Serbs and Croats of Dayton rights"

Russian Defense Ministry to receive new serial Ilyushin Il-112V aircraft from 2023

Prince Albert praises ties between Monaco and Russia

An economic forum and bilateral tourism meetings will be on the agenda of Monaco Days in Russia

MFA calls EU authorities 'thimbleriggers' after indefinite freezing of Russian assets

According to the European Commission's plan, the indefinite asset freeze is the first stage in the expropriation of Russian assets

Russia needs guarantees to prevent Kiev from sabotaging agreements — Kremlin

Washington’s position is certainly very important here, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

US, Ukraine achieve ‘a lot of progress’ at talks in Berlin, says US special envoy Witkoff

"Representatives held in-depth discussions regarding the 20-point plan for peace, economic agendas, and more," ha said

Press review: Kiev sets unacceptable peace terms while Thailand-Cambodia tensions flare

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 11th

Iran stays committed to its legal liabilities before IAEA, Moscow says

Russia expects the IAEA to officially verify that the Iranian side has exceeded the uranium enrichment levels at the Natanz facility set by the JCPOA

Normalization in BiH requires immediate closure of high representative office — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that "It was obvious 20 years ago"

Floods in Bangladesh leave at least 67 killed

The overall number of families left homeless is 605,767, and 306,741 people are now housed in 3,615 shelters together with 32,830 cattle

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sites

Kiev loses 1,355 troops along engagement line in past day

Sydney beach shooting kills ten, leaves 16 injured

One of the attackers was killed and another two were detained

Trump vows retaliation over attack on US-Syrian patrol

The US President said that "in Syria, there will be a lot of damage done to the people that did it"

Seizure of Russian assets to backfire on EU — Hungarian PM

It is a direct step toward entering the war, Viktor Orban said

Ukraine has money to run only until April 2026 — El Pais

Ukraine's budget has been running a record deficit for several years

Top Iranian diplomat to meet with Lavrov, lawmakers during visit to Russia — official

In Belarus, Abbas Araghchi will meet with President Alexander Lukashenko, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, and other top officials

FIDE votes to lift restrictions on Russian players

The Assembly has not yet made a final decision

Trump says threatened Thailand and Cambodia with new duties

US President said he was sure that the duties is an important tool in the foreign policy for his administration

Belgium demands EU countries halt investment agreements with Russia — media

Belgium is demanding independent and autonomous guarantees from EU countries in return for its support for a floated loan to Ukraine using immobilized Russian assets

Ukrainian attack leaves almost 30,000 customers without power in Zaporozhye Region

Balitsky noted that energy personnel were "working non-stop" to restore supplies as soon as possible, but the weather was complicating repair efforts