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Middle East conflict

Trump says one should 'play to win or don’t play at all'

The US president said that he "was the one who ended six wars, in just six months"

WASHINGTON, August 18. /TASS/. Commenting on the situation in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump said that one should either play to win or not play at all.

"I was the one who ended six wars, in just six months. I was the one who obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities. Play to win, or don't play at all!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social page.

These words were also spoken ahead of Trump's meeting with European leaders and Vladimir Zelensky at the White House.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas described its attack as retaliation for the aggressive actions taken by Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the crisis, launching air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave. According to the latest information from the Israeli side, radicals in the Gaza Strip continue to hold 50 hostages, 20 of whom are known to be alive. The fighting continues to this day.

In the early morning hours of June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Less than 24 hours later, Iran retaliated. Nine days later, on the morning of June 22, US jets attacked Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, entering the conflict. The following evening, Tehran launched a missile strike on Al Udeid, the largest US military airbase in the region, located in Qatar. On June 24, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a complete ceasefire.

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US National Intelligence confident Russia not planning to control entire Ukraine

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called such information about Russia's plans "a lie and propaganda"

Tanker apprehended by the US near Venezuela sailed under flag of Panama — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the cargo belonged to an oil trader from China that supplies oil from Venezuela to Chinese refineries

Top Russian, Tunisian diplomats discuss situation in North Africa

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed issues of the development of bilateral relations with his Tunisian counterpart

Russia seeks to develop energy, investment cooperation with Qatar — Putin

“We also stand for security in the Persian Gulf and other trouble spots in the Middle East,” the Russian president said

Trump confirms retaliatory strike against IS in Syria

The strike was very successful, with precision, also said US President

Blast that killed teenager in Moscow Region caused by mishandling of explosive object

An investigation is underway

Kiev counterattacks near Krasnoarmeysk, trying to slow Russian advance — expert

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk on December 1

EU 'war party' to pay Kiev 'reparations' itself — Foreign Ministry

"Brussels did not even notice how absurd the situation had become for the EU," Maria Zakharova stated

Portuguese PM doesn’t rule out sending peacekeepers to Ukraine after conflict is over

Russia plans to set up 13 more economic cooperation commission with African countries

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia is also expanding the network of its trade missions in Africa

Providing military aid to Ukraine weakens EU instead of making it stronger — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister recalled that the European Union’s summit on December 18 and 19 in Brussels decided to grant a military loan to Ukraine in 2026-2027 at the expense of a common European loan worth 90 billion euro

Putin says attackers, masterminds of terror attack in Egypt must not go unpunished

Putin confirmed that Russia would remain Egypt’s reliable ally in the struggle with terrorism

Ukraine itself to blame for failure of mobilization — intelligence chief

Budanov emphasized that "it was all done from here," meaning within Ukraine, "sometimes deliberately, due to the personal ambitions of certain people, sometimes thoughtlessly"

Russia to eliminate threats to Kaliningrad Region should they emerge, says Putin

The Kaliningrad Region is separated from mainland Russia by the borders of European Union countries

Zelensky admits that Kiev will not be able to finance 800,000-strong army

Vladimir Zelensky said that he maintains dialogue with Western leaders concerning partial financing of Ukrainian army at the expense of the partners

Lavrov tells Europe we don't need your help on Ukraine deal, just don't blow it up

"The Russian-American dialogue is based on understandings reached in Alaska," the Russian top diplomat stressed

Dollar declines to 92.22 rubles on Moscow Exchange

The euro was not traded

Russia, US still to discuss in detail Washington’s peace plan on Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that nothing is being discussed in detail at the moment

Bern takes part in EU’s risky plans, though it realizes danger of stealing Russian assets

Russian Ambassador to Switzerland Sergey Garmonin stressed that Swiss elites "understand perfectly well that a theft of Russian assets will be illegal and destroy the confederation’s reputation of a 'safe haven' for foreign investors"

Gazprom, European Commission, German FM urge mutually beneficial relations

Krasny Liman to be liberated in near future — Putin

The head of state added that Russian forces currently control about half of the city

Kyrgyz president arrives in Russia on working visit

Sadyr Japarov has arrived to take part in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and the informal meeting of CIS leaders in St. Petersburg, the press service of the Kyrgyz leader said

US National Intelligence confident Russia not planning to control entire Ukraine

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called such information about Russia's plans "a lie and propaganda"

Lavrov meets with Algerian counterpart

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 23, 1962

Lawsuit against Euroclear filed in time — Central Bank chief

Elvira Nabiullina said that it is difficult for her to comment on specific arguments prevailing among EU member-countries that did not approve the confiscation of Russian assets

Hong Kong flu has pandemic potential — virologist

Doctor of medical sciences and virologist Yelena Malinnikova called upon everyone to comply with sanitary and epidemiological guidelines

Putin goes to St. Petersburg for informal CIS summit

The head of state will also have bilateral meetings with leaders of certain countries

International Handball Federation to discuss return of Russians

The president of the International Handball Federation Hassan Moustafa recently announced the possibility of allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete internationally in 2026

Ukraine must be prepared for continuation of conflict in 2026 — US envoy to NATO

The reason is that a peace agreement may not yet be concluded by the end of this year, said US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker

Possible pause in Russian airstrikes thwarts Kiev's plans to avoid elections — senator

Konstantin Kosachev said that Russia is prepared to act for peace, and this is one of the main messages today

Negotiations on Ukraine in Miami constructive, Dmitriev says

Talks on the settlement in Ukraine will continue in Miami on Saturday and Sunday local time, the Russian envoy continued

Georgian president calls EU decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine bluff

"Ukraine has simply been sold out," Mikhail Kavelashvili said

US conducting operation to seize ship off Venezuela — agency

The officials did not say where operation was taking place but added the ·Coast Guard was in the lead, Reuters said

Brussels will have to repay Ukraine’s debts to Europe, warns Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik noted that Ukraine will not receive the loan in a lump sum

Russia ready to organize voting for Ukrainians in case of legitimate elections in Ukraine

"If Ukraine opts for legitimate elections and we are tasked to organize voting for Ukrainian nationals in Russia, we will do everything we can to make this happen," CEC chairwoman Ella Pamfilova stated

Economy, special op, taxes most popular topics on social media following Putin’s Q&A

Since the start of the event at noon Friday and until 10:00 p.m. Moscow time, approximately 1.5 million messages about it were posted on social media, a research by Russia’s Medialogia automated real-time media monitoring and analysis system says

Russian defense technologies unmatched by Western military-industrial complex — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that established industrial production would make it possible to make tens and even hundreds of items per year to provide strategic coverage for all critical areas and facilities in the Russian border regions

Britain refuses to expropriate Russian assets after failure of EU summit — FT

According to the newspaper, London "will continue to work closely with the G7 and EU on Ukraine financing"

Ukrainian forces fail to retake parts of Krasnoarmeysk, suffer losses — Putin

According to the Russian president, the enemy is achieving no success

Kiev troops shell DPR four times in past day

The attacks targeted the city of Gorlovka and the town of Starobeshevo

WSJ names five key obstacles to peace between Russia, Ukraine

These include territorial issues, Ukraine's accession to NATO, the size of the Ukrainian armed forces, the status of the Russian language, and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Longest night of year coming to Northern Hemisphere — Planetarium

It will last for seventeen hours

Russian army has full strategic initiative in special military operation zone — Putin

The president said that the Russian forces are advancing along the entire line of engagement

Palestine believes Gaza Strip should be administered by PNA, awaits US decision — envoy

Abdel Hafiz Nofal noted that the international community and, in particular, the United States, need to finally define their position on this issue, "without resorting to unworkable solutions that are currently being considered"

Russia-Africa ministerial meeting joint statement adopted unanimously — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, the statement lays bare the countries’ principled approaches to the key issues of international development

US aggression against Venezuela may lead to humanitarian catastrophe — Brazilian leader

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on the countries of the region to consolidate their efforts to preserve it as a zone of peace and stability

At least 27 drones taken down over various Russian regions overnight

Two of them were destroyed over the Sea of Azov waters

Volvo files application to register three trademarks in Russia

Two of them are for Volvo, and the third is for Volvo Penta

US drafts $112-billion Gaza reconstruction plan — WSJ

According to the newspaper, Project Sunrise was designed "to turn Gaza’s rubble into a futuristic coastal destination"

Zelensky says Ukraine discusses options to ensure election security with US

According to Vladimir Zelensky, the Ukrainian foreign ministry is working on the issue of organizing voting among Ukrainian nationals living abroad

Ukrainian elections only legitimate if citizens residing elsewhere take part — Medvedchuk

Medvedchuk also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated political will by declaring his readiness not to hinder the free will of Ukrainian citizens

Lavrov meets with South Sudanese counterpart

The top South Sudanese diplomat stated that his country’s government jointly with the regional partners are making efforts to establish peace in neighboring Sudan

Share of missing Russian servicemen must be reduced to absolute zero — Putin

"If we compare the beginning of the year with now, the number of people who were listed as missing has decreased by 50%," the Russian president said

Crew Dragon with Russian cosmonaut on board to be launched no earlier then Feb. 15 — NASA

The spacecraft’s multinational crew will also comprise NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway

Putin’s Direct Line demonstrated that 2025 was successful for Russia — Focus

According to Focus, Russia, despite a tough sanctions regime, successfully exports its products and secures its defense budget

Netanyahu plans to discuss potential new strikes on Iran with Trump — TV

According to NBC News, the Israeli prime minister plans to share with the American leader his concern over Tehran’s missile program that may require swift actions in response

Cancer-stricken Serbian sues NATO for use of depleted uranium in 1999 attack on Yugoslavia

His lawyer Srdan Aleksic disclosed that the Serbian officer’s grievance is fully identical to the 500 lawsuits, filed by Italian soldiers who were deployed in Kosovo in 1999

German expert slams EU decision on loan to Ukraine as 'madness'

Earlier, an EU summit concluded with no consensus on the expropriation of Russian assets under the guise of a so-called reparations loan to Kiev despite spending 17 hours in discussion

First stage of Russian Army transition to new military construction model over — Belousov

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Russian troops destroy 67 foreign mercenaries in battles for Yunakovka — defense source

According to the source, they were mostly Colombian nationals

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The North Atlantic Alliance, under the pretext of a so-called Russian military threat, has "significantly increased" its military presence near Russia’s borders

Putin to chair SEEC, host CIS leaders in St. Petersburg

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Gazprom Export files lawsuits against Axpo Solutions AG, Vychodoslovenska energetika

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Russian foreign minister notes prospects of African Continental Free Trade Area

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Merz finds himself in isolation in Europe due to position on Russian assets — newspaper

German Chancellor attempted till the last "to praise advantages of the de facto expropriation of Russian assets, downplaying risks at the same time," the newspaper said

Two Russians arrested in Bulgaria at US request — Russian embassy

No official details about the US extradition request are available at this point

EU diplomats do not rule out retaliation against Ukrainian elites by angry mob — SVR

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that the Mindich-Zelensky case is undermining Ukraine

Peace in Ukraine close like never before — US envoy to NATO

Matthew Whitaker added that the US administration will not give up its efforts to resolve the conflict

Russia’s offensive in Zaporozhye forces Kiev to expand evacuation zone

The reason behind this decision is an increase in the operational range of Russian drones, the source said

Civilians being relocated to left bank of Dnieper in Kherson Region — officials

It is reported that rescuers were out there to provide routes to people accordingly

Top Egyptian diplomat describes Miami talks on Gaza as good

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also expressed hope for the soonest beginning of the implementation of the Gaza deal second phase

Russian intel chief reveals recent extended call with MI6 director

Sergey Naryshkin said the phone conversation was held "just a few days ago"

Ukrainian soldiers desert due to lack of food, water, clothing — expert

Vitaly Kiselev pointed out that Ukrainian barrier detachments operating within the zone of the special military operation are unable to stem the tide of desertion

Unipolar world order gone forever, Putin says

This era is over despite all the attempts to revive it and hold on to it at any cost, the Russian leader noted

Only Indonesia, Italy ready to join ‘stabilization forces’ in Gaza — Palestinian envoy

Nofal stressed Palestine's interest in quickly completing the first stage of settlement

Russian diplomat says US Justice Department places her in waiting queue for Epstein files

Maria Zakharova believes that the files "show all those western 'mentors' in interesting circumstances and with no less interesting fellow partygoers"

Putin’s words about Europe echo position of Trump with his supporters — Die Welt

This position will significantly complicate the already tense relations between European elites and the Trump administration

West downplayed importance of traditional energy for internal political reasons — Putin

The Russian leader noted that Western politicians speculated on people's natural concern about climate issues

Inevitable Ukrainian surrender to make peace talk much easier — SVR

According to Sergey Naryshkin, no one will be able to prevent the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict after that

Russian troops to move westward after liberating Kupyansk-Uzlovoi — Putin

As the president stressed, the Russian troops have been assigned a very important task to eliminate the enemy group on the left bank of the Oskol River

One killed, two injured in explosion in Khimki near Moscow

According to earlier reports, an unidentified explosive device detonated in Khimki

Press review: EU leaders clash over Ukraine and Trump approves Taiwan arms sale as test

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 19th

US, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey report progress in implementing Gaza ceasefire phase one

As follows from the document, they held talks in Miami, Florida

Moon not interfering with star fall observation in longest night of 2025

About 10 meteors per hour are expected, the press service of the Moscow Planetarium said

US may continue strikes on Islamic State in Syria for several weeks — TV

According to NBC News, the operation targets areas where Islamic State is trying to revive its potential and is geared to exterminate its forces and facilities

Putin sends major message to West by his statement on Ukraine — portal

L’AntiDiplomatico also recalled that during his year-end press conference, the Russian leader noted that US President Donald Trump "is making serious efforts" to end the Ukrainian crisis and is doing this "absolutely sincerely"

Zelensky contradicts himself about elections in Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, this discussion is a reaction to the Russian leader’s latest statements

Russia-Africa Forum agree plan of actions for 2026-2029 — top Egyptian diplomat

According to Badr Abdelatty, Russia and African countries agreed to "develop relations and hold political consultations on the basis of the norms of international law and the principle of non-interference into countries’ domestic affairs"

Russia remains reliable partner for African countries — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, to achieve a lasting settlement of crises in Africa, it is necessary to eliminate their root causes inherited from Western colonialism

Hong Kong influenza seasonal, not epidemic — expert

The virus is primarily a risk for those encountering it for the first time, as well as young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions

Crashed Luna-25 lunar probe’s thrusters operated longer than required — Roscosmos chief

It is noted that the thruster shutdown did not occur normally in accordance with the cyclogram but under a time cutoff and it operated for 127 seconds instead of 84

Hong Kong fire death toll up to 161 — police

However, the possibility of discovering other dead people cannot be ruled out, and this number may increase

US starts publishing Epstein case files — FBI

Jeffrey Epstein’s friends and acquaintances included a large number of current and retired officials not only from the United States but also from many other countries, including former heads of state, major entrepreneurs, and show business stars

Putin says 3I/ATLAS comet poses no threat to Earth, it can be 'sent to Jupiter' anytime

According to the president, Russian scientists keep this issue under control and "are well aware of ongoing developments regarding this comet"

Russia attaches great importance to developing relations with African partners — Putin

Putin noted that African states possess enormous economic and human potential and are playing an increasingly significant role in global politics

US starts striking Islamic State sites in Syria — NYT

The operation involves US fighter jets and attack helicopters

Ukraine, Portugal sign statement on joint production of surface drones

Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro is on his first visit to Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky said

Putin sees EU's Russian asset grab as daylight 'robbery'

The Russian leader emphasized that the European Union is trying to do it overtly

Arms supplies to Ukraine did not stop after Trump’s decision to cease financing

Speaking at NSATU's Wiesbaden headquarters, Major General Maik Keller said that NATO had dispatched nearly 220,000 tons of military aid to Ukraine in 2025

Dmitriev calls for resignation of Merz, von der Leyen after failure at EU summit

The Chief Executive Officer of Russian Direct Investment Fund added that Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen "spent all their political capital, promised results – and delivered a spectacular failure"

US department confirms detention of tanker near Venezuelan coast

"The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil," the Head of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said