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Middle East conflict

Israel insists on release of all 50 hostages at once — state broadcaster

Meanwhile, sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the state broadcaster that the official does not rule out a partial deal "under certain conditions"

TEL AVIV, August 19. /TASS/. The Israeli side is studying the radical Hamas movement's response to the mediators on the Gaza deal, but insists that all 50 hostages held in the enclave be released at once, the Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported, citing a senior official.

"Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles established by the cabinet for ending the war. We are in the final stage of fighting Hamas and will not leave a single hostage behind," Kan quoted the official as saying. Meanwhile, sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the state broadcaster that the official does not rule out a partial deal "under certain conditions."

On Monday, Hamas conveyed a positive response to the mediators regarding the ceasefire proposal for the Palestinian enclave. According to Egypt's Al-Qahira Al-Ikhbariya TV channel sources, Hamas agreed to release half of the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners as part of a 60-day ceasefire. The proposal also includes withdrawing Israeli troops to the borders of the enclave to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. Once the ceasefire is in effect, Hamas and Israel must begin negotiations for a permanent ceasefire and comprehensive agreement.

Iran protests have both external, internal causes — ex-top Austrian diplomat

Karin Kneissl also highlighted a severe water crisis in Iran, saying it has made agriculture impossible in some regions and has contributed to growing social tensions

Kiev is increasing number of NATO EW systems in special military op zone — expert

Vitaly Kiselev added that a number of other UAV operator crews are being formed in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces

Venezuela, US tariff threats on Russia's partners, Macron's policy: Lavrov's comments

The Russian foreign minister added that Moscow signals its openness to contacts with American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner

Russia strongly calls on US to release Maduro, his wife — MFA

It also emphasized the need "to create conditions for resolving any existing problems between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue"

US military 'likely' to move on Iran in next 24 hours — Reuters

An Israeli official told the agency that US President Donald Trump seems to have decided to carry out the operation, but the scale and timing are still unclear

Trump says held 'great' phone call with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez

"We discussed a lot of things, and I think we’re getting along very well with Venezuela," the US President told reporters

Press review: Russia to respond to EU army plans while Ukraine's ex-PM charged for bribery

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, January 15th

Trump not seeking sustained war in Iran, would deliver swift, decisive blow — NBC

According to the sources, the US president conveyed those plans to his national security team

UK intelligence officer working undercover at embassy expelled from Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with the relevant agencies, has decided to revoke Gareth Samuel Davies' accreditation

Two Ukrainian Neptune missiles, six fixed-wing drones shot down over Bryansk Region

Governor Alexander Bogomaz said that drone debris damaged windows in an apartment building, as well as the facade and windows of an administrative building in the Bryansky district

Burevestnik cruise missile processes large stock of data with AI — expert

Burevestnik can fly at both high and low altitudes which makes it invisible, Valery Polovinkin, scientific head of the Krylov State Research Center, said

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 78.57 rubles for January 15

The official euro rate was reduced by 20.09 kopecks to 92.1964 rubles

EU distracts population from US attempts to seize Greenland — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova questioned the actions of EU officials

West’s hoaxes, attempts to keep dominance: Russian foreign ministry’s statements

Maria Zakharova noted that Russia has carefully documented the hoaxes purported by the West and the Kiev regime, including the Bucha tragedy

IRGC increases missile production — Aerospace Forces' chief

According to Major-General Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, the air force is now on full combat alert

Trump says US wants to have Greenland, despite Denmark’s objections

US President added that he had already discussed this matter with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

IN BRIEF: Russian forces expand buffer zones, disrupting enemy plans, senior general says

Russian forces liberated around eight localities and took more than 300 square km of land under control in the first two weeks of January

Iran’s IRGC forces ready to respond to enemy miscalculations — commander

Mohammad Pakpour emphasized that the crimes committed by Israeli and American mercenaries in the republic "will never be forgotten"

Iran to withdraw from naval maneuvers involving BRICS countries — news portal

Two Iranian Navy vessels that have already arrived in South Africa will not be taking a direct part in the exercise which runs until January 16

UK evacuates its diplomats from Iran — media

According to The Daily Telegraph, the decision was made after a thorough assessment of the security situation in Iran

Kiev mayor admits worst energy situation since February 2022

Vitaly Klitschko added that "the capital is functioning under extreme conditions"

Israel destroys over 2,500 buildings in Gaza Strip after ceasefire declaration — newspaper

The newspaper noted that in one of the districts, groups of undamaged buildings were still visible in images several months ago

Russia, Lebanon to maintain close coordination internationally — foreign ministry

During the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky wished Lebanese Ambassador to Moscow Bashir Saleh Azzam success in his new post in Russia

Safety of British soldiers in Ukraine cannot be guaranteed — Russian MP

Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defense Staff of the British Armed Forces, stated that he would not send troops to Ukraine if the conflict ends unless he was confident of their safety

US advises their citizens to leave Iran immediately via land borders

US citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area

Qatar confirms withdrawal of some personnel from US air base amid regional escalation

The International Media Office of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions

Russia boost Chilean fish imports by 28% annually in 2025

Fish imports from Chile to Russia increased in 2025 by 35% in money, to 64,000 tons worth $350 mln

US puts $700 billion price tag on Greenland — NBC

The TV channel said that scientific experts and former American officials were involved in assessing the monetary value of Greenland

American IT giant makes Ukraine free testing ground for drones — expert

Roman Shkurlatov added that the Americans make the Ukrainian military buy their finished products without sharing their technologies with the Ukrainians

Global unemployment rate to remain low in 2026 — ILO

According to ILO estimates, the pool of unemployed people will total 186 mln

Trump says discussed oil, minerals, trade, national security with Venezuela’s Rodriguez

"We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover", US President said

FACTBOX: What is known about F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine

Russian troops delivered a strike by the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system on January 9, crippling the Lvov state aircraft repair plant in western Ukraine

Roszarubezhneft to continue to fulfill its obligations in Venezuela

Roszarubezhneft intends to continue steadily developing its assets together with the Venezuelan side

All assets of Roszarubezhneft in Venezuela acquired by Russia under market conditions

Roszarubezhneft holds stakes in joint oil and gas enterprises with the Venezuelan side

Venezuelan authorized President Rodriguez says held long phone call with Trump

According to her, they discussed "the agenda of bilateral cooperation in the interests of <…> the peoples, as well as outstanding issues in relations between the governments"

Electricity generation in Russia falls by 1.2% in 2025 to 1.166 trillion kWh

At the same time, total installed capacity of power plants in the energy system as of January 1, 2026, stood at 271 GW, an increase of 1,101.5 MW over 2025

Avtovaz plans to sell 370,000 cars in Russia in 2026

Everything will depend on the market and the market will depend on macroeconomic conditions, chief executive of the Russian automaker Maxim Sokolov said

Trump considers referendum preferred method for Greenland’s annexation to US — Politico

According to the publication, the US side is, in particular, considering the possibility of conducting disinformation campaigns to influence the population of this autonomous territory of Denmark

Medvedev links charges against Timoshenko to Zelensky's campaign against political rivals

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev compared the political struggle in Kiev to pigs fighting "for the right to eat from the trough filled with slop"

Colombian president says will meet with Trump on February 3

Gustavo Petro stressed that the government is sparing no effort to preserve public tranquility and prevent adverse impacts of Trump’s rhetoric on the country’s population

What is known about Ukraine’s corruption scandal as Timoshenko faces bribery charges

Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office Speaker Olga Postolyuk has confirmed the charges against Yulia Timoshenko, who faces five to ten years in prison

Venezuela op diverts US assets from Mideast, making Iran strike risky — paper

According to the report, the US withdrew planes, ships and personnel from the Middle East ahead of its operation in Venezuela

Putin expresses condolences to King of Thailand in connection with railway disaster

The Russian president also asked to convey his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured

First European servicemen arrive in Greenland — newspaper

According to Bild, a Danish military transport plane landed last night at the airport in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland

Inflation in Russia reaches 1.26% on January 1-12 — Rosstat

From December 16 to December 22, 2025, inflation stood at 0.2%

Russia-Brazil cooperation commission meeting to be held on February 5 in hybrid format

It will be held under the joint chairmanship of Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin

Golden Dome is US attempt to counter Russian hypersonic weapons — expert

Alexander Stepanov added that to ensure strategic dominance in the Arctic, the Pentagon plans to deploy additional ground tracking stations and radar systems in Greenland

Trump says going to ‘talk basics’ with Venezuelan opposition politician Machado

According to the US leader, he doesn’t want her to give him her Nobel Peace Prize

Denmark obligated to return fire if US attacks Greenland — Defense Ministry

Spokesman Tobias Roed Jensen cited a 1952 royal decree that applies to the entire Kingdom, including Greenland

Over 50% of Americans say US military oversteps foreign bounds under Trump — poll

About 56% of respondents are concerned about the US army intervening in the affairs of other countries

Iran's opponents wage hybrid war against Iranian state and society — president

Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the importance of restoring public trust and satisfaction as a crucial strategy for alleviating the pressures Iran faces

Russia says ready to be briefed by US on meeting with 'coalition of willing'

According to Sergey Lavrov, contacts between the two countries on Ukraine are based on the solid foundation built in Alaska

Russia expels British diplomat over ties to intelligence services — Foreign Ministry

The ministry said that Britain’s charge d’affaires in Moscow Danae Dholakia was informed on Thursday that Russia’s competent authorities had obtained the relevant information

US would be making 'grave' error by using force against Iran — Russian lawmaker

Slutsky noted that the protests in Iran "are a classic ‘color revolution’

Austria’s ex-top diplomat doesn’t rule out Greenland becoming 51st US state

According to the former Austrian Foreign Minister, the region’s geostrategic location is what matters most for US President Donald Trump

Russian meat exports surge by 10.6% in 2025

Meat and meat products constitute a significant volume of supplies, over 911,000 tons

FACTBOX: New searches, 'unmasking' in Ukraine corruption scandal

Leader of the Batkivshchina party Yulia Timoshenko confirmed the searches at her party's office and denied all accusations

US will not be able to repeat Venezuelan scenario in Iran — Chinese expert

Jin Liangxiang noted that Iran’s retaliatory actions during last year’s 12-day conflict with Israel have made Washington and Tel Aviv more cautious about Iran’s missile capabilities

Russian troops liberate Komarovka, forming buffer zone near Glukhov — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that this section was static for a very long time

Orban says $800 bln Ukraine aid won’t grow on trees, Europeans to foot bill

The Hungarian prime minister confirmed that Hungary will not fund Ukraine and, in doing so, support EU leaders’ aim to continue the conflict there

US to keep close eye on situation in Iran — Trump

US President said earlier that he was seriously considering using force against Tehran

Witkoff, Kushner may soon visit Moscow to meet with Putin, Bloomberg reports

According to the agency's sources, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will present the latest drafts of plans for resolving the Ukrainian conflict

EU fails to appoint Ukraine negotiator — Politico

According to the report, there are "serious disagreements" between EU countries on the details of this appointment

Trump makes it clear that Zelensky undermines Ukrainian settlement — Dmitriev

The US president earlier said that the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict is being delayed because of Kiev's position

Russian General Staff chief inspects Battlegroup Center in Dnepropetrovsk area

Valery Gerasimov heard reports from commanders on the current situation

Iranian freighter in distress in Caspian Sea, all those on board rescued

As a result of timely measures, all 14 people who were on the ship were rescued

Ukraine extends martial law, mobilization for 18th time

According to live television footage of the parliament session, 333 and 312 deputies voted in favor of the measures, respectively

FACTBOX: What is known about undercover British intelligence officer exposed in Moscow

Russia’s Federal Security Service stated that the British intelligence officer working undercover at the embassy is being expelled from the country

Pentagon obtains, secretly tests device that causes Havana syndrome — CNN

Experts continue to study the device and are looking for its connection to dozens of bizarre incidents that the authorities have not been able to explain

Riyadh assures Iran it will not permit its territory to be used for strikes — media

Reuters previously reported, citing European officials, that a US military operation against Iran appears likely and could begin within the next 24 hours

British charge d’affaires leaves Russian Foreign Ministry building without any comment

Danae Dholakia, who had been summoned to Russia’s MFA earlier on Thursday, spent around a quarter of an hour there

Over 1,000 civilians killed in Ukraine’s attacks on 44 Russian regions — investigation

According to chief of Russia’s Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, investigators are taking measures to identify all those responsible for these attacks, including Ukrainian army commanders who issued relevant orders

Israel sought to drag US into conflict with Iran — Iranian top diplomat

"They started to shoot at people for one reason - they wanted to increase the number of deaths", Abbas Araghchi said

Trump says wants to visit Venezuela, expects Rodriguez to visit US

"She's been very good to deal with," the US leader warned

IMF chief arrives in Ukraine for talks with Zelensky — Reuters

The sources say Kristalina Georgieva is also planning to meet with Prime Minister Yuliya Sviridenko and Chairman of the National Bank of Ukraine Andrey Pyshny

Iran riots spearheaded by West to create pretext for military invasion — source

"Many of the detainees confessed that they had received money from abroad," the source said

IDF keeping close eye on developments around Iran, put on high alert — spokesman

At the same time, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stressed that no special instructions have been issued for Israel’s civilian population

EU may form battalions of 'Ukrainian mafia' for Ukrainian army — expert

Particular attention is being paid to offenders and individuals suspected of involvement in ethnic criminal groups, Alexander Stepanov noted

Denmark deploys special forces, military assets to Greenland — TV

On Tuesday, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced plans for a broader military presence in Greenland

Russian troops liberate Komarovka in Sumy Region over past day — top brass

According to the latest figures, Kiev loses 1,310 troops along engagement line in past day

Battles at Kupyansk forcing Kiev to divert forces from other areas — expert

Vitaly Kiselev noted that Kiev is currently attempting to send small sabotage groups to Kupyansk, calling it an "adventure" of the Ukrainian officers

Russia handed over 1,400 tons of grain to Bolivia — Embassy

The transfer of this cargo "confirms that even in conditions of global crises, Russia remains a reliable partner that does not leave friends alone and is ready to support in the decisive moment," Russian Ambassador to Bolivia Dmitry Verchenko said

Press review: EU mulls Russia oil sanctions as Trump hits Iran trade partners with tariffs

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 14th

Electricity consumption in Russia falls by 0.8% in 2025 to 1.161 trillion kWh

Thermal power plants bore the main load in meeting electricity demand in Russia’s energy system

US withdraws some personnel from key bases in Middle East — Reuters

According to the report, the decision was made as "a precaution given heightened regional tensions"

Russia wants peace, not confrontation in Arctic — ambassador to Denmark

"Russia does not harbor aggressive plans against its Arctic neighbors, does not threaten them with military action, and does not seek to seize their territory," Vladimir Barbin said

Proposal to seize Russian assets remains in effect — European Commission

The Russian assets were frozen permanently and these can only be released if the qualified majority of EU countries votes for that, Ursula von der Leyen stressed

Poseidon UUV is pinnacle in underwater drone development — Krylov Research Center

"It's rightly called a 'doomsday' weapon", Valery Polovinkin noted

Trump blames Kiev for delaying conflict settlement

US President said that Vladimir Zelensky is the reason why the settlement efforts are not bringing about the desired result

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

US Tempest system likely to play leading part in NATO’s 'drone wall' — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the Tempest is a compact and relatively inexpensive system, developed in collaboration between the US private sector and military industry

Trump will not seriously intervene in Venezuela to avoid repeating mistakes — expert

The US president doesn't intend to repeat the mistakes the US made in Afghanistan or Iraq, and this is a new development, Andrey Sidorov, PhD in history and associate professor at the Department of History at Lomonosov Moscow State University, added

Federation Council member sees Orban as more suitable EU negotiator than Stubb

Among Victor Orban's strengths, Konstantin Basyuk cited his good relationship with the US president, his pragmatism

Only US can force Russia, China to leave areas near Greenland — Trump

The US president noted that two dogsleds won’t do it

Russian-Chinese trade turnover down by 6.9% yoy to $228 bln in 2025 — trade envoy

Alexey Dakhnovsky underscored that despite the decline Russia retained its place among China's top five trading partners

Russian stock indices growing on Wednesday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index gained 0.21% to 2,702.69 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 0.57% to 1,083.61 points

Gazprom says gas reserves in Europe approach historic lows

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe, as of January 12, the fill level of Europe’s UGS facilities fell to 53%, with 53.9 bln cubic meters of gas remaining

Brussels wary of Musk, Starlink amid Grok controversy — media

According to the publication, the concerns are centered around the 2 GHz band currently used by US companies Viasat and EchoStar

US ups ante over Greenland, shifting from diplomacy to business deal — expert

Nikolay Novik emphasized that deploying US Vice President JD Vance to the negotiations is a clear signal of it

Third party won’t change nature of Russia-Iran ties — Lavrov

"These relations are based on agreements reached by the presidents of Russia and Iran," the Russian foreign minister said

EC introduces requirement to purchase European weapons for Kiev’s €90 bln loan

"If the capabilities needed for the war with Russia are not available in Europe, they can be purchased outside of it," Ursula von der Leyen added