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Middle East conflict

Israel readies for offensive on Gaza City — IDF

Spokesperson Avichay Adraee also vowed that the IDF "will intensify strikes" on Gaza and threatened units from the Gaza-based Palestinian group Hamas with a "total defeat" should they switch to guerilla warfare

CAIRO, August 29. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun preparations for an offensive in Gaza City, with intensive combat raging on its outskirts, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said.

"We’ve begun preparations for switching to an offensive on Gaza and are already moving to its first stages. Intensive fighting is currently underway on the approaches to the city," he wrote in Arabic on his page on the X social network. Adraee also vowed that the IDF "will intensify strikes" on Gaza and threatened units from the Gaza-based Palestinian group Hamas with a "total defeat" should they switch to guerilla warfare.

Earlier on Friday, the IDF declared Gaza City a dangerous combat zone and announced that daily tactical pauses in military activity will cease to apply there. The military emphasized that this decision was made "based on an assessment of the situation on the ground and on the directives of the political leadership" of the country.

On August 8, Israel’s war cabinet approved a plan to take control of the entire Gaza City via an operation it dubbed Gideon’s Chariots II. On August 20, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz endorsed the plan to capture Gaza City, and on August 21, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also signed off on the proposed strategy.

Middle East conflict

Russia still stands for establishment of Palestinian State — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that the main thing here is to remedy the historical injustice and provide for establishing a viable Palestinian State, which would coexist with Israel

African Union condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

"The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia," Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said

Ukrainian army pulls forces toward key cities in Donbass — DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky noted that the Ukrainian military was building fortifications and preparing a line of defense in these areas

West has been using fakes for centuries to justify attacks on Russia — Swiss MP

Guy Mettan explained that the earliest fabricated document accusing Russia of seeking to conquer the West and establish European hegemony was the so-called last will and testament of Peter the Great

Voting begins in parliamentary elections in Cote d'Ivoire

The ruling The Rally of Houphou·tists for Democracy and Peace party, aiming to maintain its 139-seat majority, has fielded candidates in all districts

German customs involved in legal arbitrariness against Russians — Foreign Ministry

According to Maria Zakharova, Germany has de facto been turned into a territory of lawlessness for people of a certain nationality, in this case, citizens of Russia

Politico awards anti-prizes to Sarkozy, Trump, von der Leyen for 2025

In addition to them, the Titanic award "for grand ideas that fail" went to the Italian bridge project intended to connect Sicily to the mainland

CSU leader in Bundestag says it is premature to discuss sending German military to Ukraine

"We should not put the cart before the horse," Alexander Hoffmann noted

Trump-Zelensky meeting unlikely to achieve breakthrough in Kiev's favor — German expert

Neumann believes that the meeting could be deemed successful if Zelensky manages to communicate to Trump the extent to which Ukraine is willing to make concessions

Somaliland says ready to boost ties with Israel after recognition of independence

"Somaliland welcomes and appreciates Israel’s historic and principled decision to recognize its sovereignty and independence," the self-proclaimed republic said in a statement

Liberation of Gulyaipole opens good prospects for offensive — Putin

Vladimir Putin also noted the effective actions of the Battlegroup Center in eliminating Ukrainian forces near Krasnoarmeysk in the Dimitrov agglomeration

Russia ready for further work with US to devise agreements on Ukraine — Lavrov

Russia appreciates efforts by President of the United States Donald Trump and his team to achieve a peace settlement, Sergey Lavrov said

Poll reveals Soviet Union’s most outstanding achievement according to Russians

The poll covered 1.6 thousand Russians over the age of 18

Russia open to contacts, but Europe is not interested in that — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, political contacts between the sides are maintained but this in not done publicly

Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic 19 times over past day

A civilian infrastructure facility and a motor vehicle were damaged as a result of the attacks

Putin expects next decade to bring unprecedented breakthrough in technology

The Russian leader drew attention of regional and federal officials, and businessmen across all industries to the fact that actually the time of breakthrough was "already here for us"

Russia deprived of unique product due to transfer of OCSiAl assets abroad — Rusnano

The OCSiAl company was established by scientists from Novosibirsk and has gradually grown into the world's largest manufacturer of single-walled carbon nanotubes since the mid-2010s

Europe clings to Ukraine, unwilling to acknowledge loss of global dominance — Swiss MP

Guy Mettan argues that Europeans have failed to recognize that they have lost their soft power worldwide

European leaders, Zelensky, Trump to hold phone call on December 27 — Reuters

According to his information, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will also take part in the discussion

West's policy on Ukraine rules out peaceful coexistence with Russia — German expert

Werner Patzelt emphasized that regardless of the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia "will not cease to be part of European geography and geopolitics"

Zelensky says US has proposed 15-year settlement agreements

In his words, there are some "technical things" that need to be further discussed

Submerged car retrieved from river in Russia’s Yakutia, child’s body found inside

According to the Yakutia Health Ministry, five victims were hospitalized with frostbite following the incident

Russia recognizes Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory — MFA spokeswoman

Vladimir Medinsky "commented exclusively on the tragedy around the armed conflict," Maria Zakharova emphasized as she cautioned against "pulling out non-existent messages or recombining words"

DPRK leader sends New Year greetings to Russian president — KCNA

"On behalf of the government of the DPRK and the Korean people, I extend the warmest and sincerest greeting of best wishes to you and, through you, to the government of the Russian Federation and the fraternal Russian people on the occasion of the New Year 2026," Kim Jong Un said

Trump receives box of red caviar from Russia's Far East

The caviar reportedly made such a "strong impression" on Steve Witkoff that he was given an entire box to deliver to President Trump

All car plants left by foreigners to be launched by summer 2026 — First Deputy PM

Authorities expect that the volume of the Russian car market will grow to 2.5 mln by 2030, Denis Manturov added

Russia creates powdered Ebola vaccine for convenient transportation

The clinical testing has been conducted in the Guinean Republic for three months

Zvezda correspondent Nikita Goldin seriously wounded, he was with deceased journalists

Six people were killed as a result of the shelling by Ukrainian forces, including Izvestia correspondent Alexander Fedorchak, Zvezda cameraman and driver Andrey Pano and Alexander Sirkeli

Russia will be able to offer domestically developed aircraft systems to the global market

"We have elevated these complex avionics to a competitive, global standard, enabling us to offer them to international customers," Alikhanov explained

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"

Those who expect to defeat Russia in open conflict deeply mistaken — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, politicians who make such statements are either forgetting or deliberately pretending not to notice that it is nothing but an attempt to defeat a nuclear power

Russia still stands for establishment of Palestinian State — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that the main thing here is to remedy the historical injustice and provide for establishing a viable Palestinian State, which would coexist with Israel

Ukrainian government may declassify data on uranium reserves

"At this point, only the information on uranium and uranium ore reserves remains classified," the head of Ukraine’s National Extractive Industries Association of Ukraine, Ksenia Orinchak, said

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

Russia’s Battlegroup Center forces kept destroying the surrounded Ukrainian combat group in Dimitrov and mopping up the settlements of Rodinskoye and Grishino in the Donetsk People’s Republic over the past week

Russia plans to upgrade nuclear triad through 2036 — Kremlin

The state arms program is a long-term planning document that stipulates developing, producing and maintaining the combat readiness of armaments, military and special equipment

Europe openly states about its preparations for war with Russia — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that after a new administration came to power in the United States, Europe and the European Union emerged as the main obstacles to peace

Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies announce exposure of criminal group in parliament

The agencies promised to disclose details later

Russian troops liberate Svyato-Pokrovskoye community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and six armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Silver price hits record high

By 1:14 a.m. GMT, the value of silver accelerated its growth to $75.235 per troy ounce

Trump says he expects to speak with Putin soon

The US leader also said he expects to hold a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky this weekend

Artemiev beats Carlsen, leads World Rapid Championship

Playing with the white pieces, Artemiev’s impressive performance has propelled him to the top of the standings, with a total of 6.5 points after seven rounds

Russia’s naval nuclear forces fully modernized, says Navy Chief

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev emphasized that the condition and combat readiness of Russia's modernized naval strategic nuclear forces are at an exceptional level

Gazprom highlights challenges with gas supplies in the Baltics

The company noted that at the start of the withdrawal season, the Incukalns UGS was filled to just 61%

Belarus designates combat patrol areas for Oreshnik missiles — senior military official

According to Pavel Muraveiko, work to coordinate combat crews’ actions is currently underway

Russia’s destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov returns to base after long-distance voyage

The fleet specified that Rear Admiral Oleg Gladky, Chief of Staff of the Kola Flotilla of the Northern Fleet Joint Strategic Command, received a report on the successful accomplishment by the warship crew of the assigned mission

Air defenses destroy 111 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions in 3 hours

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that during this period, 73 drones were destroyed over the Bryansk Region

Last of world-famous Dionne quintuplets dies at age 91 — New York Times

According to its information, Dion passed away on December 26 in a hospital

Russian scientists create 72-qubit quantum computer — Rosatom Quantum Technologies

According to Yekaterina Solntseva, Director of Quantum Technologies at Rosatom State Corporation, it is especially important that the scientists have taken another step toward progressively improving the reliability of operations

Trump administration recalls heads of nearly 30 foreign diplomatic missions — news agency

According to its information, the heads of US missions abroad have been notified that their terms in their current positions will expire in January

Trump threatens Democrats with 'last Christmas' in light of Epstein case

The US leader also noted that Democrats will "have a lot of explaining to do" when their involvement in US financier scandal becomes known

Press review: Ukraine aid dips in 2025 and US, Europe tussle over tech dispute

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 26th

EU goods imports into Russia exceed exports — Eurostat

Exports of Russian goods to the EU amounted to 21.7 bln euro, while imports of goods from the EU into Russia totaled 22.2 bln euro

Zelensky’s regime not ready to engage in constructive talks — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that Kiev's regime terrorizes civilians by targeting civilian infrastructure

Russian detained in Donetsk for inciting murder of military personnel, strikes on Moscow

It has been established that she proactively established contact with representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Telegram and, on their assignment, carried out photography of Russian military equipment

Press review: Zelensky peace plan is no-go for Russia and Trump puts on peacemaker hat

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 25th

Spaniards detained near Baikonur spaceport released — source

"On April 1, at night, on the territory of the Baikonur spaceport, staff at the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation at the Baikonur complex detained four foreign citizens who tried to enter without authorization the protected area where space infrastructure facilities are located," the statement said

Japan should weight everything before assuming militarization course — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov noted that the detrimental influence of such an approach on the regional stability is obvious

Russia terminates agreement on cross-border cooperation with Finland — decree

The Russian Foreign Ministry has been instructed to notify the other party of the decision

Russia supplies another batch of Su-30SM2 fighters to Belarus — Defense Ministry

Deputy Commander of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces, Chief of Aviation Colonel Alexander Belyaev said these aircraft will soon undergo technical inspection at the air base

Russia rescued Ukrainians abandoned by Kiev in Sumy Region — human rights commissioner

Russian troops brought them to a safe place in Belgorod

Kupyansk under control of Battlegroup West — Russian defense ministry

TASS has compiled the main information about the situation in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours

Liberation of Gulyaipole and Dimitrov: Putin's statements at meeting with Gerasimov

The Russian leader also pointed out that the establishment of a buffer zone on the Russian-Ukrainian border is proceeding well

Trump sees good chance for resolving Ukrainian conflict

According to the New York Post, the US leader is optimistic about the possibility of reaching a peace agreement during his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Zelensky on Sunday

Russia can receive unlimited number of Indian specialists — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov confirmed that the labor mobility agreement was signed during the Russian-Indian summit in New Delhi

Risk of nuclear conflict not eliminated, Russia ready to negotiate — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov said that contacts with the US now intensified, "there is a businesslike, substantive conversation, but great efforts are needed to move further away from this edge"

US National Security Strategy does not contradict dialogue with Russia — Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Moscow will assess its results based on the following steps made by Washington

Russia will achieve all military operation goals by force if Kiev rejects peace — Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting at one of the command posts of the special military operation

Updated US National Security Strategy questions for first time NATO’s expansion — Lavrov

According to Sergey Lavrov, one thing worth mentioning is the fact that the strategy does not contain any calls to subject Russia to a system-wide containment and deterrence policy

Due to raids in Ukrainian parliament, less than 30 deputies present during session

NABU earlier reported exposing deputies who systematically received unlawful benefits for voting

Rutte pushes back against idea that EU can only rely on itself for defense

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recalled decisions made at the NATO summit in The Hague this summer, where alliance members agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035

Putin notes multiple growth in production of weapons in demand in special operation zone

"The production of armored vehicles has increased by 2.2 times, of light armored vehicles (infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers) by 3.7 times, and military aircraft by 4.6 times," the Russian president said

Japanese MP, who visits Moscow, notes Russia’s might

"A year and four months have passed since I last visit Moscow, but, looking at the [New Year] illumination all over the city it’s hard to believe that there is war nearby," Muneo Suzuki said

Trump says Zelensky’s peace plan means nothing without his approval — Politico

"So we’ll see what he’s got," the US leader said

Air defense forces shoot down 83 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions in two hours

48 of them were destroyed over the Bryansk Region

Russian forces destroy company of Ukrainian soldiers by FAB bomb in Dnepropetrovsk area

The Ukrainian military is trying to evacuate the wounded and dead personnel from the site of the strike and work is underway to clear the debris

Two people killed in Japan after 67 cars collide due to icy roads

The accident reportedly occurred on December 26 at 7:30 p.m.

US currently has no plans to recognize Somaliland — Trump

The move includes establishing full-fledged diplomatic relations, sending ambassadors and opening embassies

Russia’s ‘soldier of future’ combat gear proves its worth in Syria

None of the elements of the combat gear’s protection was ever pierced, the system's developer said

Eight Tu-214 aircraft may be produced in 2026, 12 in 2027, industry minister says

Anton Alikhanov emphasized that current efforts and ongoing work provide confidence in meeting the 20-aircraft annual production goal by the end of 2027

Russian senator says Hunter Biden's NYP interview proves Dems tied to Ukraine corruption

When Hunter Biden says that Ukraine is a viper’s den of corruption, he is describing a system to which he was a party through his father’s position, Alexander Voloshin noted

Over 200,000 personnel desert from Ukrainian army in 2025

Kiev currently characterizes the strength of its armed forces at about 800,000

World Athletics chief Coe immovable on reinstating Russia to int'l competition

"We need to come to terms, somehow, some way we need to move in this direction, we can't remain sidelined forever, it’s not right," Sergey Shubenkov said

Ruble becomes strongest-performing currency in 2025 — Bloomberg

As Bloomberg noted, the ruble’s rise has been influenced by reduced demand for foreign currency in Russia.

Tu-214 to be produced step by step after all modifications are completed by 2026

Earlier on Saturday, the updated Tu-214 received approval for a major redesign of its standard configuration

West uses sanctions to cling to fading dominance — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova emphasized that unilateral coercive measures represent a serious obstacle to establishing a just and equitable multipolar world order

France looks to reinforce Kiev’s army with four PMCs — Russian administration in Kharkov

Recruitment offices for the four PMCs will be established in nine French cities

Zelensky works for MI6, Russian official believes

According to Andrey Klimov, in the first months of the special military operation, there was a real chance to end the conflict through political and diplomatic means

Mobilization in Ukraine, NATO near Kaliningrad: Foreign Ministry statements

TASS has compiled the key statements by the official representative of the Foreign Ministry

Deployment of Oreshnik was response to West’s aggressive moves — Belarus' defense minister

Only time will reveal how this will influence the broader situation, Viktor Khrenin added

Zelensky to call referendum for Trump’s plan if he is not satisfied — Axios

Vladimir Zelensky plans to agree on a framework agreement with the US leader to end the conflict

Russia-US agree to maintain dialogue on Ukraine after Dmitriev’s trip to Miami — Kremlin

Negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement took place in Miami on December 20 and 21

Cambodia, China, Thailand to discuss settlement of Thai-Cambodian conflict — Thai MFA

On December 27, Thailand and Cambodia have signed an agreement to establish a ceasefire in the border conflict zone, reaffirming their determination to return to dialogue through previously reached agreements with the aim of resolving the border conflict

West’s eyes are 'wide shut' to corruption scandals in Kiev, says Lavrov

These scandals did nothing to prevent Europe from using the Kiev regime as a battering ram against Russia, Russian Foreign Minister said

Gazprom reports record gas withdrawals from European storage facilities during holidays

In particular, gas storage levels in Germany have fallen below 60%

Russian Army firmly holds strategic initiative on frontline — Lavrov

Meanwhile, almost all European countries with few exceptions have been pumping the Kiev regime full of money and weapons, Sergey Lavrov said

Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

The battalion of Colombian mercenaries within the brigade was formed with the appointment of Cuban-born Daniel Vincentovich Kitone, as brigade commander, Russian security sources said

Press review: Kiev's Western support weakens as experts weigh in on Putin’s Q&A statements

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 22nd

Air defenses destroy 43 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within three-hour period

15 of them were destroyed over the Rostov Region

Moscow calls detention of Russia’s Adler vessel by Sweden 'farce majeure'

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Sweden should apologize for the incident

Russia develops Yunost-82 unmanned sub able to circumnavigate the globe

According to expert Dmitry Kuzyakin, the boat’s speed is equal to the speed of the ocean currents

Special op experience, work of defense industry sector: Putin's statements

The president noted that the Russian defense-industrial complex is operating steadily, providing the armed forces with the necessary equipment